The effects of adrenergic agonists and blockers on antigen-induced DNA synthesis in vitro

The effects of both alpha and beta adrenergic agonists and blockers on antigen-stimulated DNA synthesis in human lymphocyte cultures were studied. Results show that antigen-induced responses were enhanced by the presence of the beta blockers, propranolol and dichloroisoproterenol, and that this effect appeared to be specific blocking of the lymphocyte beta receptor since D (+) propranolol, a compound devoid of such acitvity, has no effect. Similarly, and alpha adrenergic agonist such as norepinephrine enhanced lymphocyte responsiveness.