A COMPARISON OF EFFECTS OF ISOPROTERENOL IN NORMAL AND ASTHMATIC SUBJECT

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Abstract
An hypothesis is advanced that human asthmatics exhibit a partial blockade of the smooth muscle beta receptors to adrenerglc stimulation. As a first test of this hypothesis, 11 asthmatics and 11 matched normal volunteers were given intravenous infusions of isoproterenol, a potent beta-receptor stimulator, while continuous direct recordings of blood pressure, heart rate, and frequent blood sugar determinations were made. The asthmatics responded significantly less intensely than the normal group to the vasodilating effects of isoproterenol. There was a lesser difference in the hyperglycemic response and no significant difference in the heart rates. The results are consistent with the proposed hypothesis, and indicate the need for continuing investigation of the role of autonomic nervous system function in bronchial asthma.