Increased expression of high affinity IL-2 receptors and β-adrenoceptors on peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with clinical and MRI activity in multiple sclerosis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Enhanced expression of β-adrenoceptor densities on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in progressive multiple sclerosis patients has been observed in a number of independent studies. A link between increased number of β-adrenoceptors and inflammatory disease has been further indicated by studies in rheumatoid arthritis and relapsing— remitting multiple sclerosis patients. In a serial monthly assessment of relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis patients, we have demonstrated that increased β-adrenoceptors on PBMCs correlate with the expression of high affinity interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2Rs) and disease activity as determined by clinical and MRI findings. Magnetic resonance imaging activity was strongly correlated with IL-2R expression and it appears to be a sensitive marker of PBMC immunoactivation in multiple sclerosis. In vitro studies showed that β-agonist stimulation of PBMCs reduces the IL-2R expression and suppresses cell proliferation following mitogenic stimulation. This observation may indicate a recovery role for the enhanced β-adrenoceptor expression in multiple sclerosis. However, its therapeutic importance remains to be tested by appropriate trials using either β-agonists or agents activating the second messenger system, c-AMP, in lymphocytes.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: