Catecholamine-associated changes in the state of leukocyte adhesiveness/aggregation in the peripheral blood

This article further explores the effects of stress on leukocyte adhesiveness. The concentration of plasma catecholamines as well as the LAA values were examined in 16 volunteers during a cold pressor test and in 15 volunteers following physical activity. A significant correlation between LAA values and plasma norepinephrine, dopamine and epinephrine was noted. In addition, experimental studies of anaesthetized dogs infused with dopamine and norepinephrine showed increased LAA values, and an insulin-induced hypoglycaemic animal model for adrenergic stress indicated an inverse correlation between serum glucose concentrations and LAA values. Finally, in the presence of an MAO inhibitor, norepinephrine significantly increased the state of LAA in vitro. Thus, there exists an association between adrenergic stress and the appearance of sticky leukocytes in the circulating pool. We assume that, at least in part, this stickiness results from a direct effect of the catecholamines on the adhesive properties of the cells. Other factors might be related to the decreased endothelial adhesiveness towards the white blood cells as well as the concomitant effect of other mediators released during stress. This study also supports our notion that the state of LAA in the peripheral blood can serve as a useful stress marker.