Adrenaline and ion flux in isolated human leucocytes

Hypokalaemia may be produced in man by intravenous adrenaline infusion, or as a result of pathological disturbances which have led to a high plasma adrenaline concentration. With isolated human leucocytes used as a cellular model, adrenaline at concentrations at and above 9 nmol/l increases the influx of rubidium (a model for potassium flux) into cells, with a simultaneous efflux of sodium. There is no effect on Na+,K+-ATPase activity in lysed leucocytes. Use of the adrenoceptor blockers timolol and atenolol shows that the demonstrated effect of adrenaline on coupled active transport of ions is mediated by beta 2-adrenoceptors.