In Vitro Effects of Propranolol on T Helper Type 1 Cytokine Profile in Human Leukemic T Cells

Cytokines are a large group of proteins play a key role in inflammation. Down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines has beneficial effect on heart function. Propranolol, as a non selective beta-adrenergic blocker, has been extensively used for treatment of many cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmias and heart malfunction. In addition anti-inflammatory effects of propranolol have been revealed. In this study the propranolol effect on T helper type 1 cytokine profile in human leukemic T cells has been assessed in vitro.

Human leukemic T cells (Molt-4 and Jurkat) were cultured in complete RPMI medium. The cells were then incubated with different concentrations of propranolol (0.03- 30 µM) in the presence or absence of PHA (10 µg/ml) for 48 hours. The supernatants of cell culture media were collected and used for cytokines assay.

Propranolol significantly decreased the T helper type 1 cytokine profile [Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Interferon- γ (IFN-γ)] production in PHA stimulated Molt-4 and Jurkat cells, after 48 hour of incubation time, dose-dependently compared to untreated control cells.

Our data showed a dose dependent inhibitory effect of propranolol on the IL-2 and IFN-γ production in human leukemic Molt-4 and Jurkat cells. The anti- inflammatory effect of propranolol reported by other investigators may be in part due to its suppressive effect on production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-2 and IFN-γ. So, propranolol along with its chronic long-term usage in cardiovascular problems may have potential implication in treatment of inflammatory-based disorders.