Detection of circulating autoantibodies to beta 2-adrenergic receptors in patients with asthma
Wu, J.; Yin, K.; Yang, Y.
Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi 36(4): 238-241
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0578-1426 PMID: 10374285 Document Number: 482296
To understand the roles of autoantibodies to beta 2 adrenergic receptors in the pathogenesis of asthma, we investigated the positive chronotropic action of beta 2-selective adrenergic agonist, clenbuterol, on cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Thereafter, we detected the autoantibodies to beta 2-adrenergic receptors in the sera from patients with asthma as it could inhibit the positive chronotropic action of clenbuterol. In the sera of all patients with asthma (16 cases) there were autoantibodies to beta 2-adrenergic receptors, but not in the normal controls (20 cases). Further study showed that the inhibitory autoantibodies were IgG type. This experiment suggests that the autoantibodies to beta 2-adrenergic receptors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.