Comparative metabolic and cardiovascular effects of carbuterol, isoproterenol, metaproterenol and salbutamol in the baboon

The metabolic and cardiovascular responses to two bronchiolar selective beta-adrenergic drugs, carbuterol (CAR) and salbutamol (SAL), were compared with isoproterenol (ISO) and metaproterenol (MET) in fasted, anesthetized baboons. ISO was more active than the selective beta-adrenergic drugs in elevating plasma levels of glucose, lactate, free fatty acids, insulin, and glucagon. Moreover, ISO was more active in increasing heart rate and respiratory rate and in depressing diastolic blood pressure. Although ISO was shown to have greater activity than CAR, MET, and SAL, the bronchiolar selective drugs (CAR and SAL) did produce significant changes in plasma levels of metabolic substrates and pancreatic hormones and in cardiovascular measurements at higher dose rates.