The Effects of Cocaine and Stress on Lymphocyte Proliferation in Rats

Abstract

The effects of cocaine, stress, and the combination of cocaine and stress on cellular immune proliferation stimulated by mitogens Con A and LPS were examined in rats. Hypothalamic dopamine and norepinephrine were measured to examine whether catecholamine levels relate to changes in immune function in this paradigm. Cocaine, stress, and cocaine plus stress decreased cellular immune function to Con A mitogen compared to a control group. Hypothalamic dopamine levels were inversely related to immune proliferation to LPS mitogen . The results are discussed in terms of the deleterious effects of cocaine and stress, and possible mechanisms for cocaine and stress-induced immune suppression.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 22, 1993
Accession Number
AD1011161

Entities

People

  • Lorenzo Cohen

Organizations

  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Analysis Of Variance
  • Biological Sciences
  • Blood
  • Brain
  • Catecholamines
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Data Analysis
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Health Services
  • Immune System
  • Lymphatic System
  • Lymphocytes
  • Nervous System
  • Peptides
  • Pharmacology
  • Social Sciences

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Allergy and Immunology.
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Oncology