Abstract
The presence of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nicotinic receptors) composed of either alpha7 or alpha4 and beta2 subunits is revealed in B lymphocytes by means of radioligand binding assay and Cell ELISA. Mouse B lymphocytes contained 12,200+/-3200 of epibatidine-binding sites and 3130+/-750 of alpha-Bungarotoxin-binding sites per cell. Mice lacking nicotinic receptor subunits alpha4, beta2 or alpha7 had less serum IgG and IgG-producing cells in the spleen, but showed stronger immune response to both protein antigen in vivo and CD40-specific antibody in vitro than wild-type mice. Anti-CD40-stimulated proliferation of B lymphocytes from beta2 knockout, but not wild-type mice was inhibited with nicotine. Our results indicate that signalling through nicotinic receptors affects both the pre-immune state and activation of B lymphocytes in the immune response, possibly via CD40-dependent pathway. This could contribute to immune depression found in tobacco smokers.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antibodies / pharmacology
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B-Lymphocytes / cytology
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
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Binding, Competitive
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Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / metabolism
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Bungarotoxins / metabolism
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CD40 Antigens / immunology
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Cell Proliferation / drug effects
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Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
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Immunization / methods
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Immunoglobulin G / blood*
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Iodine Radioisotopes
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Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice, Knockout
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Protein Subunits / genetics
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Protein Subunits / metabolism
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Protein Subunits / physiology
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Pyridines / metabolism
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Radioligand Assay
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Receptors, Nicotinic / genetics
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Receptors, Nicotinic / metabolism
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Receptors, Nicotinic / physiology*
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Tritium
Substances
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Antibodies
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Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
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Bungarotoxins
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CD40 Antigens
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Immunoglobulin G
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Iodine Radioisotopes
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Protein Subunits
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Pyridines
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Receptors, Nicotinic
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Tritium
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epibatidine