Terbutaline is a selective beta 2 agonist used predominantly in the treatment of asthma. Since beta-mediated responses increase heart rate, dilate peripheral arteries, modify carbohydrate metabolism and the uptake of electrolytes into cells, the administration of terbutaline might be expected to produce widespread effects. In this study the intravenous administration of 0.5 mg terbutaline over 60 min has been shown to produce marked changes without upsetting the volunteers. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure and plasma glucose all increase; diastolic pressure and serum potassium decrease. The data suggests that the terbutaline infusion may be a useful tool for the investigator. The results also quantitate some of the side effects which may result from the intravenous administration of a therapeutic dose of terbutaline given to asthmatics or to pregnant women to reduce uterine activity and delay childbirth.

SUMMARY. The referral of a patient with features of Cushing's syndrome but with suppressed plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone concentrations prompted us to study the effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) therapy on the adrenal axis. II women (aged 54--82 years) who were receiving 200-400 mgj day MPA were studied. Of these, four had subnormal plasma cortisol responses to a short synacthen test, and two more had borderline responses (30 min post-synacthen plasma cortisol results of 411 and 511 nmol/L), We conclude that suppression of the adrenal axis occurs relatively frequently in patients on MPA and that such patients should be checked for evidence of suppression before MPA therapy is withdrawn.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract