Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The physiological actions of catecholamines have led to the empirical use of adrenaline in the management of anaphylaxis, with alpha-adrenergic activation increasing peripheral vascular resistance and beta-adrenergic activation relaxing bronchial smooth muscle and inhibiting histamine release. Supraphysiological levels of catecholamines are released by phaeochromocytoma and hence blockade of these same receptors is required for symptom control, prevention of end ...