Catecholamines inhibit α/β interferon production induced by lipopolysaccharide

Abstract

In vitro incubation of Listeria monocytogenes immune spleen cells in the presence of the catecholamines epinephrine or norepinephrine inhibited the α/β-interferon (IFN α/β) synthesis induced by the mitogen lipopolysaccharide, in a manner that appeared to be concentration-dependent. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of both catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine on the synthesis of IFN α/β was prevented by incubating immune spleen cells in the presence of propranolol, a β-adrenergic antagonist agent.