Oral terbutaline differentially affects cytokine (IL-10, IL-12, TNF, IFNg) release in multiple sclerosis patients and controls

Administration of beta-receptor agonists alleviate experimental multiple sclerosis (MS) in animal models. In this study, we investigated the effects of terbutaline (5 mg) on IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production in whole blood stimulation cultures. IL-10 and IL-12 production were significantly enhanced in controls but not in MS patients (p = 0.03 and p = 0.001). Effects were not associated with an ongoing immunomodulatory therapy. We conclude that administration of terbutaline induces anti-inflammatory (IL-10) as well as IL-12 protein production in healthy controls but not in MS patients. Our findings might reflect a disturbed autonomic control of the immune system in MS. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.