Effect of beta 2-adrenergic stimulation on serum lipids

The effect of a beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, salbutamol, on serum lipids was studied over a 3-month period. Thirteen patients with bronchial asthma were treated with 2 mg salbutamol three times daily (one patient with 4 mg three times daily). The concentrations of serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were slightly but not statistically significantly higher after 3 months with salbutamol than before the medication. The serum HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations remained constant during the therapy. Serum free fatty acid levels decreased slightly but not significantly during the therapy. Treatment with salbutamol did not elevate plasma free fatty acid levels, which may have arrhythmic effects. The results indicate that beta 2-adrenergic stimulation has no effect on basal serum lipid levels.