Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Development and Identification of a Novel Subpopulation of Human Neutrophil-derived Giant Phagocytes In Vitro
10:05

Development and Identification of a Novel Subpopulation of Human Neutrophil-derived Giant Phagocytes In Vitro

Published on: January 25, 2017

Dopamine induces neutrophil apoptosis through a dopamine D-1 receptor-independent mechanism

S Sookhai1, J H Wang, M McCourt

  • 1Department of Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Ireland.

Surgery
|August 24, 1999
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dopamine induces neutrophil apoptosis and improves their function in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). This suggests dopamine offers benefits beyond hemodynamic support by influencing neutrophil behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Neutrophil (PMN) apoptosis is crucial for resolving inflammation and maintaining immune homeostasis.
  • Delayed PMN apoptosis is linked to the pathogenesis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).
  • Dopamine, used for hemodynamic stability in SIRS, may possess immunomodulatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate dopamine's influence on PMN apoptosis, function, and activation in SIRS patients.
  • To determine if dopamine has immunoregulatory properties affecting neutrophils.

Main Methods:

  • Isolated PMNs from healthy volunteers and SIRS patients were treated with dopamine and fenoldopam.
  • PMN apoptosis was measured using propidium iodide DNA staining.
  • PMN function was assessed via respiratory burst, phagocytosis, and receptor expression (CD11a, CD11b, CD18).

Main Results:

  • SIRS patients exhibited delayed PMN apoptosis compared to controls.
  • Dopamine treatment (10-100 µmol/L) induced apoptosis in PMNs from both groups.
  • Dopamine enhanced phagocytic function, while fenoldopam did not induce apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Dopamine induces PMN apoptosis and modulates PMN function in both healthy individuals and SIRS patients.
  • Dopamine may provide therapeutic benefits in SIRS via a non-hemodynamic, PMN-dependent proapoptotic mechanism.

More Related Videos

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death09:18

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death

Published on: December 27, 2016

Neutrophil Lifespan Extension with CLON-G and an In Vitro Spontaneous Death Assay05:52

Neutrophil Lifespan Extension with CLON-G and an In Vitro Spontaneous Death Assay

Published on: May 12, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Overview of Cell Death01:30

Overview of Cell Death

Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Autophagic Cell Death01:18

Autophagic Cell Death

Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...