Beta-endorphin modulation of interferon-gamma, perforin and granzyme B levels in splenic NK cells: effects of ethanol

J Neuroimmunol. 2005 Sep;166(1-2):29-38. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.03.015.

Abstract

The effects of ethanol and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) on productions of cytolytic factors granzyme B, perforin and IFN-gamma in splenic rat NK cells were determined. Intracranial administration of beta-EP increased protein and mRNA levels of cytolytic factors in NK cells. Chronic ethanol feeding reduced the basal and beta-EP-induced levels of cytolytic factors in NK cells. In vitro treatment of beta-EP on NK cells increased the levels of perforin, granzyme B and IFN-gamma and their mRNA transcripts, whereas ethanol pre-treatment prevented beta-EP effects on cytolytic factors in these cells. These results suggest that beta-EP and ethanol interact to regulate NK cell functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Synergism
  • Ethanol / pharmacology*
  • Granzymes
  • Injections
  • Interferon-gamma / genetics
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus / physiology
  • Perforin
  • Perfusion
  • Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred F344
  • Serine Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Serine Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / metabolism*
  • beta-Endorphin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Perforin
  • Ethanol
  • beta-Endorphin
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Granzymes
  • Gzmb protein, rat
  • Serine Endopeptidases