This paper describes a series of stability and redistribution studies aimed
at understanding the presence and significance of beta(2)-agonists in asth
ma deaths. Salbutamol and terbutaline were shown to be stable in postmortem
blood at 23 degrees C for 1 week, 4 degrees C for 6 months and -20 degrees
C for 1 to 2 years. However, fenoterol was shown to degrade at 23 degrees
C (83% loss), 4 degrees C (93% loss) and -20 degrees C (66% loss) over the
same time. Salbutamol concentrations detected in blood taken at the time of
body admission to the mortuary were not significantly different from the c
oncentrations detected in blood taken from the same cases at the time of au
topsy (45 h later). This suggests that significant postmortem redistributio
n of salbutamol is unlikely to occur during this period. Postmortem blood c
oncentrations of at least salbutamol are likely to reflect the concentratio
n of these drugs in the body at the time of death.