Antagonism by β‐adrenoceptor blocking agents of the antianaphylactic effect of isoprenaline

Abstract

1 β-Adrenoceptor blocking agents antagonized the inhibitory (antianaphylactic) effect of isoprenaline on antigen-induced histamine release in isolated, passively sensitized, human lung and actively sensitized guinea-pig lung suggesting that the effect is exerted through β-adrenoceptors. No antagonism was obtained with the human allergic leucocyte preparation. 2 The antianaphylactic effect of isoprenaline was antagonized not only by propranolol but also by the ‘selective’ β-adrenoceptor blocking agents, practolol and butoxamine. 3 The classification of β-adrenoceptors is discussed. Certain similarities between antianaphylactic and lipolytic β-adrenoceptors are noted.