Expression and in-vivo modulation of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors on human natural killer (CD16(+)) cells

Expression and in-vivo modulation of beta- and alpha-adrenoceptors on peripheral human natural killer (CD16(+)) cells was investigated. Ligand binding studies revealed that CD16(+) lymphocytes express beta(2), alpha(1), alpha(2)- but not beta(1)-adrenoceptors. Infusion of adrenaline, but not noradrenaline, significantly decreased beta(2)- and alpha(1)-adrenoceptor numbers on NK cells. Both catecholamines did not appreciably alter alpha(2)-adrenoceptor numbers. Additional analyses showed that adrenaline administration increases beta(2)-adrenoceptor numbers on peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC) and T-cell subsets (CD4(+), CD8(+)) in contrast to decreased receptor numbers on CD16(+) cells. These data demonstrate a specific effect of increasing levels of circulating catecholamines on beta(2)-adrenoceptors on NK cells.