Effect of propranolol on peroxidase in tracheal epithelial cells

Propranolol (beta-blocker) was administered to five guinea pigs in doses of 6 mg/day for ten days; five uninjected animals were used as controls. The first or second tracheal ring was cut in round slices. The number of overall epithelial cells facing the airway and the epithelial cells with peroxidase were counted. The mean percentage of peroxidase-positive cells to total epithelial cells was 49% in the control and 11% in animals after the administration of propranolol. This result apparently meant that the peroxidase activity was decreased by the administration of propranolol. The relationship between allergic diseases and the synthesis of peroxidase is discussed.