Effect of terbutaline on peripheral lymph flow, protein concentration and transport, and edema formation after thermal injury in rabbits.

In the rabbit, intraarterial infusion of 5 micrograms/min of terbutaline within the first two hours after moderate thermal injury prevents edema and reduces augmented lymph flow, lymphatic protein transport, and tissue fluid protein concentration. Terbutaline, however, fails to prevent edema 4 hours after thermal injury although the increase of leg volume (24%) is less than in the untreated, burned control leg (56%). A higher dose of terbutaline (15 micrograms/min) also fails to block edema 4 hours after burning and its effect on leg volume, lymph flow, and lymphatic protein concentration is similar to that of 5 micrograms/min infusion. Terbutaline does not alter the extent of tissue injury after burning as the increase in tissue fluid lactic dehydrogenase and potassium are similar with "treated" and "untreated" burns.