Chronic beta-adrenergic antagonist treatment affects human T lymphocyte responsiveness "in vitro"

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the effect of long-term propranolol treatment on some immune parameters in humans. The subjects were 12 duodenal ulcer patients, aged 19-23 years. They were given propranolol in a dose of 40 mg three times a day orally. Blood samples were drawn before and after one-month propranolol treatment. The drug did not significantly affect mitogen (PHA, Con A, PWM)- induced lymphoproliferative response, although a tendency of a slight inhibition of proliferation was observed. In all patients treated with propranolol absolute peripheral blood lymphocyte counts increased. Propranolol did not significantly influence one-way MLR, while it enhanced proliferation in the AMLR test in all patients. The drug increased spontaneous and PHA-induced IL-2R expression as well as IL-2 generation. The study showed that chronic beta-adrenoceptor blockade with propranolol may modify some immune functions in humans.