Atopy, autonomic function and beta-adrenergic receptor autoantibodies

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Atopic individuals exhibit reduced sensitivity to beta-adrenergic agents.
• Previous findings indicated antibodies to beta-adrenergic receptors in allergic rhinitis patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and role of autoantibodies against beta-adrenergic receptors in atopic individuals.
• To assess the impact of these autoantibodies on autonomic function and cellular responses.

Main Methods:

• Sera from atopic and control subjects were tested for immunoglobulins inhibiting beta-receptor binding.
• Autonomic sensitivity was compared between antibody-positive and antibody-negative subjects using isoprenaline and phenylephrine.
• In vitro studies assessed the effect of patient globulins on human lung cell cyclic AMP response to isoprenaline.

Main Results:

• Antibodies to beta-adrenergic receptors were detected in 9 out of 60 subjects, including those with asthma.
• Antibody-positive subjects showed significantly impaired responses to isoprenaline and phenylephrine compared to antibody-negative subjects.
• Human lung cells cultured with globulins from antibody-positive subjects exhibited a reduced cyclic AMP response to isoprenaline.

Conclusions:

• Autoantibodies to beta-adrenergic receptors are present in a subset of atopic individuals.
• These autoantibodies appear to act as antagonists, contributing to impaired beta-adrenergic responsiveness.
• The findings suggest a pathogenetic role for beta-receptor autoantibodies in asthma and related disorders, highlighting autoimmunity's significance.