Neuromodulation of Natural Killer Cell Activity
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, in addition to being important in the defense against viral diseases, are suggested to play a key role in immune surveillance against neoplastic growth. Pharmacological, biochemical and behavioral evidence has suggested that the benzodiazepine/GABA receptor chloride ionophore complex ( supramolecular complex) mediates the antianxiety effects of benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other pharmacologically important agents. More recently, several lines of evidence suggested that the supramolecular complex is involved in the physiological control of stress and anxiety. We recently found that the administration of the benzodiazepine receptor (BzR) inverse agonists FG7142 (N' -methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxamide) and DMCM (3- carbomethoxy-4-ethyl-6, 7-dimethoxy-beta-carbolines) produced a profound suppression of T-cell functions in mice. Since beta-carboline like FG 7142 have been demonstrated to produce a BzR-medicated behavioral, somatic, and endocrine syndrome reminiscent of stress of anxiety in rodents and primates, including man, our findings suggested that the benzodiazepine receptors in the CNS and the pathways subserved by these receptors may be important in the neural control of immunity. In the present study, we investigated whether the supramolecular complex also modulates NK cell activity. Keywords: Stress psychology; Sexual behavior; Hepatitis B; Gonorrhea; Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; Bereavement; Mating; Depression; Immunity; Sexual intercourse. Reprints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA211852
Entities
People
- Prince K. Arora
Organizations
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases