title: Effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on beta 2-receptor function in the airways and adrenal responsiveness in bronchial asthma.
abstract: Sixteen patients suffering from bronchial asthma, with or without chronic bronchitis, sufficiently severe to be treated with inhaled corticosteroids, were studied in a single-blind trial (blind observer) of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) given in three randomized dosage regimens: 500, 1000 and 2000 micrograms per day, each for 4 weeks. The beta 2-adrenergic agonist response curve showed a dose-dependent increase in FEV1 which was not affected by different doses of BDP. A small but significant reduction in basal cortisol levels was observed after BDP 500 micrograms/day. There was no significant difference between the various doses of BDP in reducing cortisol level and stimulation with tetracosactide remained unchanged. The study showed a gradual, dose-dependent improvement in lung function, statistically significant for morning peak expiratory flow rate at BDP 2000 micrograms/day. Dyspnoea score and beta 2-agonist use decreased, reflecting the anti-asthmatic effects. An increase in total leukocyte count was observed, together with a decrease in the eosinophil count. Oral candidiasis was seen in 2 out of 16 patients. It is concluded that the clinical anti-asthmatic effects of corticosteroid treatment by inhalation are not due to modulation of beta 2-receptor function in the airways.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Medical Centre Dekkerswald, University of Nymegen, Groesbeek, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Molema
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lammers
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: van Herwaarden
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Folgering
mesh_terms: D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001980:Bronchi / Q000503:physiopathology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004804:Eosinophils; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D001507:Beclomethasone; D000420:Albuterol; D006854:Hydrocortisone