Norepinephrine-Induced Migration Of Sw 480 Colon Carcinoma Cells Is Inhibited By Beta-Blockers

beta -Adrenoceptors are highly expressed on SW 480 colon carcinoma cells as was assessed by flow cytometry, We investigated the influence of norepinephrine on the migration of these cells using time-lapse videomicroscopy. Norepinephrine-treatment increased the locomotor activity within the population from 25% spontaneously locomoting cells to 65% locomoting cells. The beta1/2-blocker propranolol but not the beta1-blocker atenolol inhibited this increase, The intracellular signaling solely of norepinephrine-induced locomotion involved protein tyrosine kinase activity, whereas both spontaneous and norepinephrine-induced migration were reduced by inhibiting phospholipase C gamma and protein kinase C alpha activity. In summary, norepinephrine-induced locomotion of SW 480 cells is beta2-adrenoceptor mediated and distinct from spontaneous locomotion concerning the PTK involvement.