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Desensitization of the beta‐adrenoceptor of lymphocytes from normal subjects and patients with phaeochromocytoma: studies in vivo.
Author(s) -
Greenacre JK,
Conolly ME
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
british journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.216
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1365-2125
pISSN - 0306-5251
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1978.tb01623.x
Subject(s) - salbutamol , medicine , endocrinology , beta (programming language) , desensitization (medicine) , adrenergic receptor , in vivo , beta adrenoceptor , lymphocyte , microgram , adrenergic , atenolol , asthma , receptor , in vitro , chemistry , biology , blood pressure , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , computer science , programming language
1 Following the observation that lymphocyte beta‐adrenoceptor responsiveness was not depressed in asthmatics treated only with non‐ adrenergic drugs we have explored the effects of prolonged exposure to beta‐adrenoceptor agonists in normal subjects. 2 Treatment with oral salbutamol (12‐16 mg/kg/day for 10 days), or with inhaled salbutamol (3000 microgram/day for 8‐10 days) resulted in a significant reduction in lymphocyte beta‐adrenoceptor responsiveness. 3 A 48 h infusion of isoxsuprine (10 mg/h) resulted in a marked depression of lymphocyte beta‐adrenoceptor responsiveness (P less than 0.001). 4 Prolonged elevation of endogenous catecholamines caused by phaeochromocytoma was also associated with a marked depression of lymphocyte beta‐ adrenoceptor responsiveness (P less than 0.001). 5 There was no evidence that an increase in phosphodiesterase activity could explain the reduced cyclic AMP response. 6 It is concluded that diminished beta‐ adrenoceptor response occurs as a response to prolonged exposure to beta‐adrenoceptor agonists. It is likely that the diminished response seen in asthmatic subjects can be explained on a similar basis and does not indicate an inherent cellular defect. 7 The possible clinical significance of such changes in asthmatics are discussed.