[The effect of activated lymphocytes on cardiac contractility]

Activated lymphocytes may have potent biologic effects outside the frame of the immune system. In these studies we analyzed the interaction of activated normal human lymphocytes and/or soluble products of lymphocyte activation on the contractile activity of isolated rat atria. The results indicate that phytohemagglutinin activated lymphocytes of the CD4 phenotype exert a positive inotropic effect on spontaneously beating atria. This effect is linked to steps of lymphocyte activation that precede cell division. Soluble factors released to the supernatant of stimulated lymphocytes can substitute for the intact cells. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) appears to be an important component of the active supernatants, as their activity can be reduced by monoclonal anti-IL-2 or by preincubation of the heart tissue with monoclonal anti-IL-2 receptor (anti-Tac). Highly purified IL-2 was active at 10 units/ml. In order to induce a positive inotropic effect at lower doses of natural or recombinant IL-2 (2-3 units/ml), synergic factors were required (2 x 10(-6) M arachidonic acid, AA, or Ca ionophore A 23187). Indirect evidence indicates that IL-2 exerts its biologic effect by turning on the phosphoinositide cycle and activating protein kinase C in the heart tissue target. It is postulated that similar mechanisms may be activated in inflammatory myocardiopathies or during the treatment of cancer with massive doses of IL-2.