ADRENERGIC-RECEPTORS ON MONOCYTES MODULATE COMPLEMENT COMPONENT SYNTHESIS

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 47  (3) , 606-612
Abstract
The addition of adrenaline, noradrenaline or phenylephrine, but not isoprenaline to [human] monocyte cultures enhanced synthesis of the 2nd complement component (C2). This effect was abrogated by the concomitant addition of the receptor antagonist, phentolamine, but not the .beta. receptor antagonist propranolol. Thus the receptor involved is an .alpha. adrenergic receptor. The receptor was of the .alpha.1 subclass as prazosin inhibited the action of adrenergic agonists. Pulse label studies using 3H-amino acids showed that the enhancement of synthesis of 8 components (C2, C3, C4, C5, factor B, properdin, .beta.1H and C3b inactivator) and total protein synthesis were also increased. The possible mechanisms underlying these changes are discussed.