Effects of histamine-sensitizing factor and cortisol on lymphocyte adenyl cyclase responses.

Levels of cyclic adenosime monophosphate (cAMP) in lymphocytes are regulated by beta-adrenergic agonists and PGE1. The effect of these agonists is potentiated by cortisol. Incubation of lymphocytes with histamine-sensitizing factor (HSF) leads to loss of response to epinephrine and PGE1. The response can be partially restored by cortisol. Incubation of lymphocytes with beta-adrenergic antagonists such as propranolol leads to the loss of beta-adrenergic agents but not PGE1. The inhibition by propranolol is not reversed by cortisol. These results suggest that the action of HSF and Bordetella pertussis vaccine is not mediated through the inhibition of beta-adrenergic receptors alone.