Effect of intravenous prednisolone in asthmatics with diminished adrenergic responsiveness

Lancet. 1975 Dec 27;2(7948):1269-71. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(75)90608-x.

Abstract

The beta effects of adrenergic stimulation are often diminished in asthmatics in whom the condition is active. Corticosteroids are thought to lower the threshold of beta-adrenergic receptors to the response of catecholamines. A single intravenous injection of 40 mg prednisolone appeared to restore responsiveness to inhaled isoprenaline in eight out of ten chronic asthmatics who were previously non-responsive to catecholamines.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aerosols
  • Aged
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Isoproterenol / administration & dosage
  • Isoproterenol / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Placebos
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Prednisolone / pharmacology
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Adrenergic / drug effects*

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Placebos
  • Receptors, Adrenergic
  • Prednisolone
  • Isoproterenol