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Adrenaline upregulates monocyte L-selectin in vitro
1Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT. rainer1091@cuhk.edu.hk
Resuscitation
|January 15, 2000
Summary
Adrenaline increases L-selectin expression on monocytes, a key factor in inflammation. This effect is mediated by beta-adrenoceptors, suggesting beta-blockers may influence leucocyte trafficking.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Leucocyte-endothelial interactions are crucial in inflammation, mediated by adhesion molecules like L-selectin.
- L-selectin expression on leucocytes increases during stress and is linked to neuroendocrine responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if adrenaline upregulates L-selectin expression on monocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in vitro.
- To determine if these effects are mediated via beta-adrenoceptors.
Main Methods:
- Blood from healthy volunteers was treated with physiological doses of adrenaline (0-200 nmol/l).
- Immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry analyzed L-selectin expression (percentage and mean channel fluorescence).
- The role of beta-adrenoceptors was assessed using propranolol, a beta-blocker.
Main Results:
- Adrenaline significantly increased both the percentage and intensity of L-selectin expression on monocytes (P < 0.0001).
- Maximal effects were observed at 100 nmol/l adrenaline, with a 9% increase in positive cells and 23% increase in fluorescence intensity.
- Propranolol blocked these adrenaline-induced effects on monocytes (P < 0.0001).
- No significant changes were noted for lymphocytes; a slight increase in neutrophils was observed.
Conclusions:
- Adrenaline upregulates monocyte L-selectin expression in vitro, partly via beta-adrenoceptors.
- These findings suggest that beta-blockade could potentially inhibit certain aspects of leucocyte trafficking in inflammatory conditions.