Effects of terbutaline, a synthetic beta adrenoceptor agonist, on in vivo erythropoietin production
Gross, D.M.; Fisher, J.W.
Archives Internationales de Pharmacodynamie et de Therapie 236(2): 192-201
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9780 PMID: 34369 Document Number: 133951
Terbutaline sulfate, a new synthetic .beta.2-adrenoceptor agonist, produced a dose-related increase in 59Fe-incorporation into newly formed red blood cells of ex-hypoxic polycythemic mice. This effect was blocked by prior treatment of the polycythemic mice with the potent .beta.-adrenoceptor antagonist, DL-propranolol. Terbutaline was also infused (i.v.) (500 .mu.g/kg per min) into restrained unanesthetized rabbits for a period of 5 h with constant monitoring of arterial blood pressure and periodic blood PO2 [O2 partial pressure], PCO2 [CO2 partial pressure] and pH analyses. Terbutaline significantly elevated plasma erythropoietin titers in rabbits while producing a slight but nonsignificant decrease in mean blood pressure. Terbutaline did not produce a significant effect on blood gases or blood pH. A possible involvement of .beta.2-adrenoceptor activation of erythropoietin production was suggested.