[Lung function studies with the bronchodilator terbutaline]

The acute bronchodilator effect of the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist terbutaline was tested single-blind cross-over in out-patients with chronic obstructive airways disease (intrinsic asthma). In 7 series comparisons were made with other marketed bronchodilators. Airways resistance was measured by whole body plethysmography. In another 3 series the effect on heart rate of terbutaline and other adrenoceptor agonists was tested in healthy volunteers. Terbutaline and the adrenoceptor agonists clenbuterol, epinephrine, fenoterol, hexoprenaline, isoprenaline, metaproterenol, reproterol and salbutamol, the vagolytics atropine, ipratropium bromide and AA 28-263, the xanthine-derivative theophylline ethylenediamine and one combined substance drug were used.