Metabolic effects of beta 2-agonists.
Catecholamines produce a number of biochemical changes most of which result from stimulation of beta 2-receptors. Interest in these metabolic effects has increased recently as a consequence of the concern over the relatively high mortality from acute asthma attacks. In this review the data on the impact of beta 2-agonists on glucose production, insulin release and lipolysis are presented. Thereafter the subject of hypokalaemia, the mechanism for its production by beta 2-agonists and its relevance to cardiac arrhythmias are considered in detail. Finally the fall in plasma magnesium and the possible role of beta 2-agonists in the production of lactic acidosis are discussed.
Haffner
C A
CA
Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, U.K.
Kendall
M J
MJ
D000140:Acidosis, Lactic / Q000139:chemically induced; D000208:Acute Disease; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000420:Albuterol / Q000494:pharmacology; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D000078790:Insulin Secretion; D008066:Lipolysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D007328:Insulin; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D008274:Magnesium; D005947:Glucose; D000420:Albuterol