title: Effect of inhaled terbutaline on platelet activity in bronchial asthma.
abstract: Thirty five young subjects with long standing bronchial asthma were studied for the effects of terbutaline misthaler (500 micrograms) during acute asthma. Bronchodilators were omitted for a day before the test. Ten matched controls were also studied. In all subjects, basal IgE level (ELISA), pulmonary parameters (FVC, FEV, PEFR, FEF 25-75 and FEF 75-85) and platelet activity, (platelet clumping/150 WBC on smear, platelet adhesiveness, blood recalcification time and kaolin clotting time for platelet factor3) were compared. During acute asthma, the subjects displayed IgE levels > or = 500 IU/ml (n = 33), activation of clotting (n = 30) and eosinophilia > or = 450/cmm (n = 28). These changes were not seen in normal controls. Terbutaline resulted in a reversal of airway obstruction, mainly of small airways, while the platelet hyperactivity and blood hypercoagulability were rectified (P < 0.001). It is concluded that platelet activity increases in acute asthma and is corrected by inhaled terbutaline concomittant with the relief of bronchospasm.
authors.affiliation: Medicine Department, BYL Nair Ch. Hospital.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Paidhungat
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Salgaonkar
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Nabar
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Nadkar
authors.forename: V I
authors.initials: VI
authors.lastname: Chari
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Khatri
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Prabhu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D010979:Platelet Function Tests; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D013726:Terbutaline