Changes in T-cell subpopulations induced by autonomic neurotransmitters and hormone

In our previous studies, we found that changes in T-cell subpopulations were induced by restraint stress. To determine how this influence on the immune system was mediated pharmacologically, we studied the effects of autonomic agonists and antagonists and hydrocortisone on T-cell subpopulations in C3/H mice. These agents induced changes in the subpopulations of T-cells and modulated the receptors on T-cells. These drugs, however, did not have the same effect as restraint stress. This suggests that the effect of restraint stress on the immune system is mediated by other mechanisms. We found autonomic agents and hydrocortisone to affect differently T-cells in various organs. In general, acetylcholine and hydrocortisone affected T-cells in the thymus and adrenaline affected those in the spleen. By the double staining method, the maturity of these T-cells was found to be affected by these drugs. Remarkable changes were as follows. Thy 1, 2-positive T-cells were decreased in the blood and increased in the spleen while Lyt 2-positive T-cells were increased in the spleen by adrenaline. Thy 1, 2-positive T-cells were decreased in the thymus and increased in the blood while L3T4-positive T-cells and Lyt 2-positive T-cells in the blood were increased by acetylcholine. L3T4-positive T-cells were decreased in the thymus by atropine. Finally, Lyt 2-positive T-cells in the thymus were decreased and L3T4-positive T-cells in the blood were increased by hydrocortisone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)