Desensitization by terbutaline of beta-adrenoceptors in the guinea-pig soleus muscle: biochemical alterations associated with functional changes.

1 The effects of adrenaline and terbutaline on cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) content, 22Na-efflux, 42K-influx and subtetanic contractions have been assessed in soleus muscles isolated from guniea-pigs which had been maintained on food with or without terbutaline for 5 days. 2 Terbutaline and adrenaline increased cyclic AMP content and suppressed subtetanic contractions, and regression analysis indicates a statistically significant correlation between these two effects (P less than 0.01). 3 In muscles obtained from terbutaline-treated animals, the effects of terbutaline and adrenaline on cyclic AMP content, active Na-K-transport and subtetanic contractions were all considerably suppressed, but insulin stimulated 22Na-efflux and affected subtetanic contractions to the same extent as in the muscles obtained from the control group. 4 The results suggest that terbutaline treatment leads to a reduction in the number of beta 2-adrenoceptors in skeletal muscle or an impairment of their function. 5 The results provide further support for the idea that the effect of adrenaline or insulin on skeletal muscle contractions is the outcome of stimulation of active Na-K-transport.