title: Effect of prednisolone and ketotifen on beta 2-adrenoceptors in asthmatic patients receiving beta 2-bronchodilators.
abstract: In 13 patients with bronchial asthma, who were on beta 2-adrenergic bronchodilator therapy, the effects of prednisolone and ketotifen on lymphocyte beta 2-adrenoceptor density and -responsiveness were investigated. The mean lymphocyte beta 2-adrenoceptor density and -responsiveness was significantly lower than in healthy controls, presumably due to the long-term beta 2-adrenergic bronchodilator treatment. Both prednisolone 100 mg i.v. and ketotifen 1 mg b.d.p.o. for 6 days rapidly improved lymphocyte beta 2-adrenoceptor function. 16 h after prednisolone and about 6 days after the first dose of ketotifen lymphocyte beta 2-adrenoceptor density and -responsiveness had risen to values within the range in normal volunteers. The improvement of lymphocyte beta 2-adrenoceptor function was accompanied by a significant increase in peak expiratory flow rate before and after inhalation of salbutamol. It is concluded that prednisolone and ketotifen may act beneficially on the recovery of beta 2-adrenoceptor responsiveness to beta 2-adrenergic bronchodilators in tolerant asthmatic patients.
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000494:pharmacology; D007665:Ketotifen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D011239:Prednisolone; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D007545:Isoproterenol; D000420:Albuterol; D007665:Ketotifen