Abstract
β-Endorphin has been reported to enhance natural killer (NK) activity in vitro. However, few studies have examined the precise regulation of the cytolytic stage of NK cells. We therefore investigated the regulation by β-endorphin of cytotoxicity-associated molecules such as granzyme B, perforin, and Fas ligand (FasL) in human CD16+ NK cells. On semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) assay, the granzyme B mRNA level apparently increased in CD16+ NK cells from high responding subjects having ratios >1.5 for the LU30 ratio. An increase in intracellular granzyme B molecules was also detected in CD16+ NK cells by flow cytometry. On the other hand, perforin and FasL appeared not to be involved in regulation by β-endorphin. These findings suggest that up-regulation of granzyme B expression may be involved in the enhancement of NK activity by β-endorphin.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
