Open AccessEffects of Drugs on β-Adrenergic Receptors on Human Lymphocytes
Author(s) -
Molinoff Pb,
Aarons Rd
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
journal of cardiovascular pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.762
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1533-4023
pISSN - 0160-2446
DOI - 10.1097/00005344-198300051-00010
Subject(s) - pindolol , propranolol , receptor , agonist , terbutaline , endocrinology , medicine , antagonist , pharmacology , iodocyanopindolol , adrenergic receptor , chemistry , intrinsic activity , asthma
The density of beta-adrenergic receptors has been determined on membranes prepared from lymphocytes of normal human volunteers. Long-term administration of propranolol resulted in an increase in the density of receptors, whereas administration of the agonists ephedrine and terbutaline elicited a marked decrease in the density of receptors. These changes may explain the delayed side effects observed when propranolol administration is abruptly discontinued and the decreased efficacy that occurs during long-term administration of an agonist. In other experiments, pindolol, an antagonist with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, was administered to normal subjects. A marked decrease in the density of receptors occurred within 1 day of administering pindolol. This effect persisted beyond the time at which pindolol administration was discontinued.