Sympathetic nervous system modulates macrophage function

We have reported previously that sympathectomy augments immune responses in mice and rats. In the present study, we show that ablation of the sympathetic nervous system augments macrophage function as measured by increased TNF secretion. We also show that a factor present in the sympathetic ganglia of newborn rats, suppresses secretion of TNF by LPS-stimulated macrophages as does the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol.