Adrenergic and cholinergic influence on the production of reactive oxygen species in human neutrophils*

Abstract

Objectives. To determine and compare the effect of adrenergic and cholinergic agonist drugs on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neutrophils of healthy individuals. Materials and Methods. Whole blood samples were taken from five participants to purify neutrophils using the gelatin method. The production of chemiluminescent (QLM) ROS was measured using a scintillation counter and phorbol-12-myristat-13-acetate (PMA) as a stimulus. Non-PLA tests were also conducted to measure spontaneous production. Subsequently, with the same method, ROS formation was measured in the presence of nicotine (cholinergic agonist), salbutamol, and clonidine (adrenergic agonists), each in concentrations of 10^-2 M, 10^-3 M, 10^-4 M, and 10^-5M. The area integrated under the QLM curves was calculated and the percentage of inhibition or stimulation was found as the case may be. The effect of the drugs was compared with their corresponding controls and statistical analysis was carried out. Results. A decrease in the production of ROS was obtained as an effect of the substances studied with a significant difference between the controls and the effect produced at 10^-2 M, 10^-3 M, and 10^-4 M . This effect increased in intensity as drug concentration increased. The highest percentages of inhibition were shown at 10^-2 M and 10^-3 M. Salbutamol presented the maximum values with all the concentrations with a significant difference between its inhibition and that generated by the other drugs. Conclusions. Adrenergic and cholinergic stimuli have an inhibitory effect on the production of ROS in neutrophils of healthy individuals.