METABOLIC RESPONSE TO EPINEPHRINE IN BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

The elevation of free fatty acids, lactate, pyruvate, and glucose one hour following a subcutaneous injection of epinephrine was determined in 15 nonasthmatic and 23 asthmatic subjects. When the group of severe asthmatic patients was compared with the nonasthmatic or mild asthmatic groups, significantly less elevation of lactate, pyruvate, and glucose was noted, and the difference with free fatty acids was not significant. Many of the patients in the severe asthmatic group were receiving bronchodilator preparations in addition to corticosteroids. Although the data are consistent with the hypothesis of beta adrenergic blockade in bronchial asthma, it is impossible to rule out drug effects. © 1968.