Beta-adrenergic receptor density of peripheral blood lymphocytes was assessed with radio-ligand receptor binding on the 1st, 3rd and 7th days after acute cerebral trauma in 46 patients. it was found that the lymphocytic beta-adrenoceptor density was significantly decreased after acute cerebral trauma as compared with that in the control. The extent of its decrease was correlated with the severity of cerebral trauma and the prognosis of the patients. The findings suggest that beta adrenoceptors might be involved in the pathogenesis of acute cerebral trauma and be of significance for the prognosis of the victims.