Investigation of the beta-adrenergic system in regulation of immunologic responses

The influence of pharmacologic stimulation and blocking of the beta-adrenergic system on appearance of PF and RF cells, and intralymphocytic levels of cAMP were investigated. Stimulation of the beta-adrenergic receptor exerted an immunosuppressive effect, reflected by the numbers of PFC and RFC and raised levels of cAMP. Inhibition of the adrenergic beta-receptor stimulated immunologic responses and lowered levels of cAMP in lymphocytes. Confirmation of a specific adrenergic mechanism was provided by the absence of an effect of stimulation after prior blocking of the receptor. The possibility of a nonspecific membrane effect of beta-adrenergic drugs is discussed.