Dopamine inhibits cytokine release and expression of tyrosine kinases, Lck and Fyn in activated T cells.

The effect of dopamine (DA) on the release of cytokines from activated human T cells has been evaluated to analyze the mechanism by which physiological concentration of dopamine inhibits T cell proliferation. Dopamine inhibited anti-CD3 mAb-induced release of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines, IL2, IFN-gamma and IL4 from T cells by specific class of dopamine receptors. This action of dopamine was mediated by a new mechanism.