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Human lymphocyte subpopulations effect of epinephrine
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|September 1, 1976
Summary
Epinephrine administration significantly increased circulating thymus-derived (T) cells and bone marrow-derived (B) cells in normal subjects. These immune cell changes suggest epinephrine influences lymphocyte distribution in the circulatory system.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Epinephrine is a hormone known to affect various physiological processes.
- The impact of epinephrine on circulating lymphocyte populations requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of subcutaneous epinephrine administration on lymphocyte subsets in normal human subjects.
- To quantify changes in thymus-derived (T) cells and bone marrow-derived (B) cells post-epinephrine injection.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen healthy subjects received subcutaneous epinephrine (0.2 mg).
- Blood samples were collected before and 10, 20 minutes after injection.
- Lymphocyte subsets (T cells, B cells) were analyzed using sheep red blood cell rosettes, complement receptors, and immunofluorescence.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in absolute concentrations of T cells (164%), B cells (326%), and cells with both T and B cell markers (272%) were observed 10 minutes post-injection.
- These changes were also noted in splenectomized individuals, indicating a non-spleen mediated effect.
- Control subjects receiving saline showed no significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous epinephrine administration transiently alters the distribution of lymphocyte subsets in circulation.
- Epinephrine appears to mobilize T and B lymphocytes into the bloodstream, with potential implications for immune surveillance.