Adrenaline and ion flux in isolated human leucocytes

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Abstract
Hypokalemia may be produced in man by i.v. adrenaline infusion or as a result of pathological disturbances which have led to a high plasma adrenaline concentration. With isolated human leukocytes used as a cellular model, adrenaline [epinephrine] at concentrations at and > 9 nmol/l increased the influx of rubidium (a model for K flux) into cells, with a simultaneous efflux of Na. There was no effect on Na+, K+ -ATPase activity in lysed leukocytes. Use of the adrenoceptor blockers timolol and atenolol showed that the demonstrated effect of adrenaline on coupled active transport of ions was mediated by .beta.2-adrenoceptors.