The beta-blocker acebutolol down modulates the spontaneous polyclonal activation of lymphocytes in NZB X NZW lupus mice.

Acebutolol is a beta blocking agent that induces in C57Bl/6 mice a polyclonal activation of lymphocytes (PAL). In this study, its effect on cellular parameters of spontaneous PAL and lupus disease in NZB x NZW female mice is investigated. A significant reduction of PAL is found in 10-week-old mice after only five injections of 50 mg/kg/day of acebutolol. This effect is also observed in 7- and 9-month-old mice after 12 weeks of treatment. In these chronically treated mice, a significant decrease in incidence and levels of proteinuria as compared with untreated mice is found. No statistically significant increase in survival is observed. In conclusion, acebutolol down modulates the spontaneous PAL which characterizes the NZB x NZW mouse lupus disease and might prevent to some extent the development of nephritis.