Effects of terbutaline, a synthetic beta adrenoceptor agonist, on in vivo erythropoietin production.

Terbutaline sulfate, a new synthetic beta2-adrenoceptor agonist, was found to produce a dose-related increase in 59Fe-incorporation into newly formed red blood cells of exhypoxic polycythemic mice. This effect was blocked by prior treatment of the polycythemic mice with the potent beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, DL-propranolol. Terbutaline was also infused (i.v.) (500 microgram/kg/min) into restrained unanesthetized rabbits for a period of 5 hr with constant monitoring of arterial blood pressure and periodic blood Po2, Pco2, and pH analyses. Terbutaline was found to significantly elevate plasma erythropoietin titers in rabbits while producing a slight but nonsignificant decrease in mean blood pressure. Terbutaline did not produce a significant effect upon blood gases or blood pH. These data suggest a possible involvement of beta2-adrenoceptor activation of erythropoietin production.