DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/5VA8-0E08
Defense Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Jennifer K. Stewart
Second Advisor
Dr. Krista J. Fischer-Stenger
Abstract
Effects of norepinephrine (NE) on macrophage cytokine release are complex because the cells have both α2 and β2 adrenergic receptors, which mediate opposing actions. Furthermore, β2-adrenergic agonists are reported to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on interleukin-6 (IL-6). This study was designed to clarify the autocrine role of macrophage-derived NE on IL-6 production in activated peritoneal macrophages. Effects of NE on IL-6 production in the RAW264.7 macrophage cell-line also were investigated. Treatment of activated peritoneal macrophages with endotoxin, the α2-adrenergic antagonists yohimbine or RS79948 revealed that the α2-adrenergic receptor mediates a stimulatory autocrine action of catecholamines on IL-6 production. When peritoneal macrophages were treated with the β2 antagonist ICI-118,551 (ICI), there was both inhibition and stimulation of IL-6. Treatment of RAW264.7 macrophages with high and low concentrations of NE and various concentrations of ICI provided evidence that the concentration of NE determines whether the β2-adrenergic receptor mediates stimulation or inhibition of IL-6 production.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008