THE EFFECT OF PROPRANOLOL ON AIRWAY RESISTANCE

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Abstract
The effect of propranolol on the airway resistance (AWR) of eighteen normal and seven asthmatic subjects has been studied by whole body plethysmography. In normal subjects there was a significant mean rise in AWR which was never accompanied by any respiratory upset. In asthmatic subjects there was a greater mean rise in AWR which usually resulted in dyspnoea and occasionally wheezing. In nine subjects, the studies were repeated after the prior administration of atropine which almost completely abolished the rise in AWR after propranolol in normal subjects and markedly reduced the rise in asthmatic subjects. The mode of action of propranolol in producing bronchoconstriction is discussed and the protective effect of atropine is stressed.

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