Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

09:14
Static Adhesion Assay for the Study of Integrin Activation in T Lymphocytes
Published on: June 13, 2014
Beta adrenergic receptors in lymphocyte subpopulations
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Lymphocyte beta adrenergic receptors and cAMP levels are similar in B and T cells. This suggests observed differences in disease are not due to varying lymphocyte proportions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Lymphocyte beta adrenergic receptors play a role in immune response.
- Alterations in these receptors are implicated in various human diseases.
- Understanding receptor distribution in lymphocyte subsets is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in beta adrenergic receptor concentration and affinity between human B and T lymphocytes.
- To compare catecholamine-responsive cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in these lymphocyte subsets.
- To determine if B and T cell proportions influence observed receptor changes in disease.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of highly purified B and T lymphocyte populations from peripheral blood.
- Quantification of beta adrenergic receptors using radioligand binding assays.
- Measurement of cAMP accumulation via radioimmunoassay.
- Comparison of receptor affinity (dissociation constant) and receptor number.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in the mean number of beta adrenergic receptors between B and T lymphocytes.
- Similar receptor affinity for (-)[3H]dihydroalprenolol in both cell types.
- Comparable catecholamine-responsive cAMP accumulation, with a slight trend towards lower levels in T cells.
Conclusions:
- Observed variations in lymphocyte beta adrenergic receptors or cAMP levels in patients with different illnesses are unlikely to stem from differing proportions of circulating B and T lymphocytes.
- The distribution and function of beta adrenergic receptors are broadly similar across major lymphocyte subsets.
- Further research should explore other factors contributing to receptor alterations in disease states.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification
Adrenergic receptors, or adrenoceptors, respond to the autonomic neurotransmitter noradrenaline and other endogenous catecholamine agonists. They are classified into two main families, α and β, based on their pharmacological response and are further subdivided depending on their location, elicited response, and affinity to specific agonists or antagonists.
α-Adrenoceptors
α-Adrenoceptors are classified into two main subtypes: α1 and α2. The α1 adrenoceptors, which are found on postsynaptic...
α-Adrenoceptors
α-Adrenoceptors are classified into two main subtypes: α1 and α2. The α1 adrenoceptors, which are found on postsynaptic...
Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype
Adrenoceptors are classified into α and ꞵ classes based on their potencies to catecholamine agonists. α-adrenoceptors show the following order of catecholamine potency:
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
β-adrenoceptors have varied sensitivities towards adrenaline, noradrenaline, and isoprenaline. The order of agonist potency is as follows:
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
Adrenergic antagonists, or sympatholytics, inhibit adrenoceptor activation driven by catecholamines or agonists. Based on their adrenoceptor specificity, adrenergic blockers can be categorized into two primary groups: α-adrenergic blockers (α-blockers) and β-adrenergic blockers (β-blockers). α-blockers interact with α1 and α2 subtypes of α-adrenoceptors.
Nonselective α-blockers: Nonselective α-blockers contain haloalkylamine or imidazoline moieties. Phenoxybenzamine, with a haloalkylamine...
Nonselective α-blockers: Nonselective α-blockers contain haloalkylamine or imidazoline moieties. Phenoxybenzamine, with a haloalkylamine...
Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers
Third-generation β-blockers, such as labetalol and carvedilol, represent a significant advancement in managing cardiovascular conditions. Unlike conventional β-blockers, which can induce peripheral vasoconstriction, third-generation drugs block α1 adrenoceptors. This promotes vasodilation through several mechanisms, such as increased nitric oxide production, inhibition of calcium ion entry, opening of potassium ion channels, and antioxidant action. Labetalol, for instance, is clinically...
Sympathetic Signaling
Sympathetic signaling, a vital part of the autonomic nervous system, plays a crucial role in mobilizing the body's resources in response to stress or emergencies. It involves the transmission of nerve impulses from sympathetic preganglionic fibers to postganglionic fibers. This results in the release of specific neurotransmitters and activation of adrenergic receptors.
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) onto the ganglionic neurons in the...
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) onto the ganglionic neurons in the...

