Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Videomorphometric Analysis of Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction of Intra-pulmonary Arteries Using Murine Precision Cut Lung Slices
Published on: January 14, 2014
The hemodynamic effects of aminophylline and salbutamol alone and in combination
Abstract:
We have studied the hemodynamic effects of salbutamol and aminophylline in eight patients with obstructive airways disease. Aminophylline was administered intravenously as a bolus and an infusion for 150 minutes. Salbutamol was administered by nebulizer after 30 minutes and at the end of the infusion. Compared with placebo, salbutamol decreased ventricular afterload (decreased preinjection period and preinjection period to left ventricular ejection time ratio and diastolic blood pressure). Aminophylline decreased total electromechanical systole, corrected for heart rate, only (mean decrease -10.7 msec; range -6.5 to -15.1), indicating a mild positive inotropic effect. When both active treatments were combined, the effect on total electromechanical systole, corrected for heart rate, was potentiated (mean decrease -23.3 msec; range -19.1 to -33.1). Neither aminophylline nor the combination affected heart rate or blood pressure, suggesting no increase in myocardial oxygen consumption. The hemodynamic effects of aminophylline and salbutamol are potentiated in combination but are unlikely to be harmful in patients with obstructive airways disease.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Classification
Vasopressor or pressor agents: They increase blood pressure and function as cardiac stimulants. Examples include endogenous catecholamines (norepinephrine and dopamine) and synthetic agents (phenylephrine).
Bronchodilators: β2-agonists can relax bronchial muscles and widen airways. They are commonly used for treating obstructive pulmonary...
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...

