The Relationship Between Beta-Adrenoreceptor Density and Immune Function Before and After Acute Stressor Exposure
Abstract
Prior research has described increases in beta-adrenoreceptor number caused by acute infusions of catecholamines, as well as In response to a psychologically stressful mental arithmetic task.These studies suggest that stress induced increases in catecholamines are related to changes in beta-adrenoreceptor density. Decreases in lymphocyte proliferation to a mitogen in response to various psychological stressors have also been observed. However, whether beta-adrenoreceptors are moderators of lymphocyte activity during psychologically challenging or stressful tasks had not been examined. This study investigated changes in beta-adrenoreceptor density and lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogens, Con A and PWM associated with a speech task. Also, the relationship between changes in beta-receptor density and lymphocyte proliferation was examined. A total of 40 subjects participated in this study. The primary objective of the present study was to determine whether there were psychological stress related changes in beta-adrenoreceptor density and lymphocyte function, and whether changes in beta-adrenoreceptor density predicted changes in lymphocyte mitogenesis. The experimental group prepared a speech for 5 minutes and then gave the speech for 3 minutes while being videotaped. The control group read simple words to themselves for 5 minutes and then read the words aloud for 5 minutes. Blood was drawn to examine mitogenic activity and beta-adrenoreceptor density at four time points: baseline (twenty minutes after the catheter insertion), immediately after speech preparation/silently reading, 5 minutes after giving the speech/reading aloud, and again 30 minutes after the tasks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 12, 1994
- Accession Number
- AD1011384
Entities
People
- Laura Schneierman
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences