Inhibition of metabolic responses to surgery with β-adrenergic blockade

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Abstract
Summary: Glucose, lactate, non-esterfied fatty acid and insulin levels in plasma were measured in two groups of 12 patients undergoing gastrectomy under general anaesthesia. Propranolol in a dose of 0·3 mg/kg body weight was intraoperatively infused in one of the two groups. Surgery under general anaesthesia elicited a significant rise in blood glucose, lactate and NEFA concentrations. These metabolic responses were significantly inhibited by intraoperative infusion of propranolol without producing any undesirable side effect. Plasma insulin levels showed a slight decrease during the operation and no significant difference was noted between the two groups. The results suggest that β-adrenergic activity is playing a major role in these metabolic responses, promoting the mobilization of substrates. Possible benefits of inhibiting β-adrenergic activation in surgical stress are discussed.
Funding Information
  • Japanese Ministry of Education