Antibodies against beta adrenoceptors in mothers of children with congenital heart block

CAMUSSO, J.J.; BORDA, E.S.; BACMAN, S.; HUBSCHER, O.; GOIN, J.C.; ARANA, R.; STERIN-BORDA, L.

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA PHARMACOLOGICA ET THERAPEUTICA LATINOAMERICANA

Asociación Latinoamericana de Ciencias Fisiológicas - Asociación Latinoamericana de Farmacología

Lugar: Buenos Aires; Año: 1994 vol. 44 p. 94 - 99

0327-6309

To determine whether antibodies against beta adrenergic activity interact with neonatal cardiac cell receptors and alter their physiological behaviour. An "in vitro" experimental model measuring the frequency of contraction, the production of cAMP and binding assay on neonatal and adult rat atria was employed. Sera and IgG fraction from mothers of infants with congenital heart block (CHB) interact with neonatal rat atria increasing the frequency of contraction and cAMP production. These effects were abolished by propranolol, pointing to a beta adrenergic participation. IgG also competed with 3H-CGP to beta adrenergic receptors on neonatal cardiac membranes. Neither the contractile nor the cAMP effects or binding assay were obtained using adult instead of neonatal rat atria. Reactivity against cardiac neurotransmitter receptors may be another serum factor(s) to be considered in the pathophysiology of the development of CHB.