Open AccessThe Immediate Effect of A β‐Adrenergic Agonist (Salbutamol) on Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Author(s) -
Lunell N. O.,
Joelsson I.,
Larsson A.,
Persson B.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016347709155014
Subject(s) - medicine , salbutamol , pregnancy , carbohydrate metabolism , agonist , third trimester , lipid metabolism , β2 adrenergic receptor , adrenergic , endocrinology , adrenergic agonist , carbohydrate , gestation , receptor , asthma , biology , genetics
. The responses of plasma insulin and the C‐peptide of proinsulin, glucose, lactate, free fatty acids (FFA), glycerol, D‐β‐hydroxybutyrate and alanine to a β 2 ‐adrenergic agonist (salbutamol) were determined in 5 patients during the last trimester of pregnancy before labor. Salbutamol was given as an infusion in the same dosage as is used to inhibit uterine contractions in cases of premature labor and in obstetric emergencies. The infusion of salbutamol was given for 45 min, accompanied by repeated sampling of arterial blood. All patients developed moderate tachycardia and exhibited metabolic effects following salbutamol infusion, implying marked increases in plasma levels of insulin, C‐peptide, glucose and lactate. An increased rate of lipolysis was evident from the rises of FFA, glycerol and D‐β‐hydroxybutyrate. Plasma levels of alanine declined, possibly due to stimulation of glu‐coneogenesis. It is unlikely that these acute maternal metabolic changes would have significant adverse effects on the fetus.