Effects of b-adrenoceptor-blockade on stress-induced adrenocorticotrophin release in humans

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We investigated the mechanisms of stress-induced alterations in adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) release. Tandem parachutists received either a placebo or the β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol prior to a first time parachute jump. Blood samples were drawn 4 h before, immediately after, and 1 h after the jump. Cortisol and catecholamine concentrations displayed a significant stress-induced increase in both groups. The ACTH plasma concentrations significantly increased in the placebo and the propranolol group, with significantly more pronounced changes in the propranolol-treated subjects compared to the placebo group. These data demonstrated a stress-induced increase of ACTH plasma concentrations in humans that was enhanced by β-blockade.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: