The role of the adrenergic system in allergy and bronchial hyperreactivity
Koëter, G.H.; Meurs, H.; Kauffman, H.F.; de Vries, K.
European Journal of Respiratory Diseases. Suppl 121: 72-78
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0106-4347 PMID: 6290251 Document Number: 189563
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.