Subsensitivity of beta-adrenoceptor responses in asthmatic patients taking regular low dose inhaled salbutamol

Tremor (Tr), chronotropic (HR) and metabolic (K, Glu) responses to cumulative doses of inhaled salbutamol (100 micrograms to 4000 micrograms) were compared in an age and sex matched group of 7 normal (N) and asthmatic (A) subjects. Comparison of regression lines between groups showed differences in HR and K. This was also reflected in attenuation of maximum responses in group A, for HR and K. These results show subsensitivity of chronotropic and hypokalaemic responses in patients with asthma, which may reflect tachyphylaxis from the effects of long term inhaled salbutamol therapy.