Effect of Terbutaline, a β2‐adrenergic Receptor Stimulating Compound, on Cutaneous Responses to Histamine, Allergen, Compound 48/80, and Trypsin

Abstract

The .beta.-adrenoceptor stimulating agent terbutaline (2 ng-2 .mu.g) injected intradermally in 8 atopic subjects produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the skin reactions induced by subsequently injected allergen. After injection of 0.5 .mu.g terbutaline, inhibition of the flare and weal responses was demonstrable throughout the observation period of 90 min. The flare response induced by histamine, the histamine liberator compound 48/80 [p-methoxy-phenethyl methylamine formaldehyde product] and the proteolytic enzyme trypsin was not inhibited by terbutaline in the doses used, suggesting a selective action of terbutaline on the allergen-induced response. The weal response elicited by histamine and compound 48/80 was slightly reduced by 2 .mu.g terbutaline. Pretreatment of the skin with terbutaline apparently interferes with the ability of the cutaneous mast cells to respond to challenge with allergen and terbutaline produces this effect in doses lower than those needed to counteract the permeability increasing effect of released mediator substances.