LE3 .A278 1998

1998

Bell, Colin

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

Although researchers have illustrated that norepinephrine has an effect on the modulation of tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) and transforming growth factor-$\beta$ (TGF-$\beta$) in splenic macrophage populations, research has yet to determine the effect of norepinephrine on the production of these cytokines by lymphocytes or by LPS stimulated and non-stimulated murine alveolar macrophages. Utilizing four lymphocyte cell systems, two transformed cell lines and both non-stimulated as well as a CD3 + PMA stimulated murine splenocytes, it was concluded that norepinephrine was able to significantly increase production of both cytokines by the first three cell systems, but the modulatory effect of norepinephrine on the CD3 + PMA stimulated splenocyte sample was significantly inhibitory. These effects of norepinephrine were noted to reflect both the concentration and adrenoceptor target of the adrenergic drug. The murine alveolar macrophage populations displayed similar results, with norepinephrine again being able to modulate adrenoceptor-specific increases and decreases in TNF-$\alpha$ and TGF-$\beta$ production. The cytokines, both TNF-$\alpha$ and TGF-$\beta$, were quantified throughout this research project using a non-radioactve MTT bioassay method specifically designed in this Masters Project. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2930