Beta-Adrenergic receptors of human lymphocytes are unaltered by hyperthyroidism

Lymphocytes from 12 patients with untreated hyperthyroidism were compared to lymphocytes from age- and sex-matched euthyroid control subjects to test the hypothesis that alterations in beta-adrenergic response mechanisms occur in human hyperthyroidism. The binding of (-)[3H]dihydroalprenolol, a compound previously shown in these cells to label binding sites having the characteristics of beta-adrenergic receptors, was assayed and no significant difference was found between the two groups. In addition, the accumulation of cAMP in response to isoproterenol was determined by RIA and, again, no difference was found.