Effects of adrenergic stimulating and blocking agents on the eccrine sweat secretion in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Quantitative measurements of eccrine sweat secretion following stimulation with adrenaline and terbutaline sulphate, a beta-stimulator, have been performed in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis by means of the electrolytic water analyzer, "Meeco". Seasonal variations were demonstrated, the values being lower in the late autumn. The response to adrenaline could be blocked by phentolamine, an alpha-inhibitor, while propranolol, a beta inhibitor, had no effect.--The response to terbutaline was blocked by atropine and partly by practolol, a beta-inhibitor. Terbutaline induced a larger sweat response than isoprenaline, another beta-stimulator. A beta-receptor mechanism, in some way related to cholinergic receptors, is suggested.