Y. Ishiura et al., Influence of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade on antigen- and propranolol-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs in vivo, J AUT PHARM, 20(1), 2000, pp. 23-30
1 Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, such as propranolol, can provoke severe br
onchoconstriction only in asthmatic subjects. Recently, we developed a guin
ea-pig model of propranolol-induced bronchoconstriction (PIB) and the purpo
se of this study was to investigate the role of alpha-adrenergic nerve path
ways in this reaction.
2 Phentolamine administered after an antigen challenge did not inhibit PIE;
however, its administration before the antigen challenge significantly inh
ibited the antigen-induced bronchoconstriction and also bronchoconstriction
induced by methacholine inhalation.
3 We conclude that the alpha-adrenergic nerve system is not involved in the
development of PIE following allergic reaction in our guinea-pig model.