title: The role of the adrenergic system in allergy and bronchial hyperreactivity.
abstract: The adrenergic system may have an influence on the severity and activity of bronchial asthma. It has been suggested that there might be a relationship between the allergic process and the adrenergic system. Therefore this system was studied before and after an allergen challenge. Two parameters were measured: in vivo: propranolol threshold measurement to assess adrenergic involvement; in vitro: the beta-adrenergic response of peripheral lymphocytes as parameter for beta-receptor function. Seven allergic asthmatics who were not treated with beta-stimulants or corticosteroids and seven normals inhaled house dust mite extract. On the days before and after the challenge, propranolol threshold measurements were performed. Six patients had a dual reaction after a house dust mite inhalation; one patient had an early response. The propranolol threshold changed from 1.32% (SEM 0.16) on the day before challenge to 0.86% (SEM 0.19) on the day after (0.02 less than P less than 0.025). In the same patients the maximal cAMP response of lymphocytes in the presence of 10(-6) mM isoproterenol changed from 339% (SEM 18.9) above basal level before the allergen challenge to 194% (SEM 24.6) after the challenge (0.001 less than P less than 0.005). The pre-challenge beta-response of lymphocytes of the asthmatic patients was comparable with that of normal lymphocytes (298% SEM 59.8). The results suggest that an allergen-induced asthmatic attack may lead to an impaired beta-adrenergic function.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006632:Histamine; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D011433:Propranolol; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic / Q000502:physiology*; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000502:physiology*; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D006632:Histamine; D011433:Propranolol; D000242:Cyclic AMP