Effects of beta-adrenoceptor-blockade on stress-induced adrenocorticotrophin release in humans.
We investigated the mechanisms of stress-induced alterations in adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) release. Tandem parachutists received either a placebo or the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol prior to a first time parachute jump. Blood samples were drawn 4 h before, immediately after, and 1 h after the jump. Cortisol and catecholamine concentrations displayed a significant stress-induced increase in both groups. The ACTH plasma concentrations significantly increased in the placebo and the propranolol group, with significantly more pronounced changes in the propranolol-treated subjects compared to the placebo group. These data demonstrated a stress-induced increase of ACTH plasma concentrations in humans that was enhanced by beta-blockade.
Oberbeck
R
R
Division of Clinical Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
Schürmeyer
T h
Th
Jacobs
R
R
Benschop
R J
RJ
Sommer
B
B
Schmidt
R E
RE
Schedlowski
M
M
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000097:blood; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D011433:Propranolol; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D009638:Norepinephrine; D004837:Epinephrine