B-Adrenergic receptor stimulation increases anti-DNA antibody production in MRL/1pr mice

To gain insight into a role for excessive B-adrenergic receptor stimulation in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, MRL/1pr mice were chronically injected with isoproterenol. The mean change of serum antibody levels after one month of treatment was higher in the isoproterenol treated mice than in controls (anti-ssDNA, p < 0.05; anti-nDNA, p < 0.04; and antiguanosine antibodies, p < 0.03) without significant differences in serum IgG levels. Additionally, mean serum creatinine levels were higher and glomerulonephritis more severe in the isoproterenol treated group. Our findings provide the first evidence linking aberrant B-adrenergic receptor activities, serum anti-DNA antibodies, and end-organ pathology in an animal model of lupus nephritis.