Decreased generation of cyclic AMP in lymphocytes by .BETA.-adrenergic stimulation in heart failure.

Abstract
Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 31 normal subjects and 29 patients with heart diseases were stimulated by isoproterenol and cAMP level in lymphocytes was assayed. Simultaneously plasma norepinephrine concentration at rest was measured. In normal subjects the generation of cAMP after the stimulation decreased with age. The response of lymphocytes in patients of NYHA [New York Heart Association] classes III and IV rose significantly smaller than in the normal, age-matched control. Plasma norepinephrine concentration of patients of classes II, III and IV rose significantly above normal. In congestive heart failure, a significant correlation between plasma norepinephrine concentration and increase of lymphocyte cAMP was demonstrated. .beta.-adrenergic receptors in congestive heart failure were apparently desensitized.