Fenoterol stimulates human erythropoietin production via activation of the renin angiotensin system.
OBJECTIVE
The present study assessed the hypothesis that the beta2 sympathomimetic fenoterol influences the production of erythropoietin (EPO) by activation of the renin angiotensin system (RAS), i.e. angiotensin II.


METHODS
In an open, parallel, randomized study healthy volunteers received i.v. either placebo (electrolyte solution), fenoterol or fenoterol in combination with an oral dose of the AT1-receptor antagonist losartan.


RESULTS
Compared with placebo treatment AUCEPO(0,24 h) was significantly increased after fenoterol application by 48% whereas no increase in the group receiving fenoterol and losartan could be detected. The rise of PRA was statistically significant under fenoterol and fenoterol plus lorsartan.


CONCLUSIONS
Stimulation of EPO production during fenoterol infusion appears to be angiotensin II-mediated. Thus, angiotensin II may be considered as one important physiological modulator of EPO production in humans.
Freudenthaler
S M
SM
Abteilung Klinische Pharmakologie, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
Schenck
T
T
Lucht
I
I
Gleiter
C H
CH
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D005280:Fenoterol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D019808:Losartan / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D004921:Erythropoietin; D005280:Fenoterol; D019808:Losartan