Alloimmune IgG binds and modulates cardiac beta-adrenoceptor activity

Purified IgG from murine alloimmune sera directed against class I products from the major histocompatibility complex of the mouse, could bind to the beta-adrenoceptors and stimulate contractile activity of myocardium. Immune IgG inhibited the binding of (-) 3H-DHA to beta-adrenoceptors of mouse myocardial membranes behaving as a competitive inhibitor. Moreover, immune IgG induced positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on isolated mouse atria. These effects could be blocked by beta-adrenoceptors antagonists. Data prove that immune IgG directed against specific alloantigens are able to recognize the beta-adrenoceptors and mimic the stimulation of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist.