Polyclonal Stimulation of Lymphocytes Induced by Beta Blockers in the Mouse: Influences of Age, Sex and Strain

Abstract

The immune effects of acebutolol, a beta-blocker, are investigated in various strains of mice. In 6–12 weeks old C57B1/6 female mice, an increase in the number of immunoglobulin secreting cells is observed only at the age of 9 weeks. At that age, such an effect is seen neither in C57B1/6 male mice nor in female mice from 6 other strains including OF1 outbred mice. An increase in anti-trinitrophenol plaque forming cells is found in 9 week old C57B1/6, Balb/c and CBA female mice.