Decrease of beta-receptors in asthmatic and rhinitic patients.

The number of beta-receptors was determined in 60 atopic patients: 30 asthmatics with sensitization to domestic inhalant allergens and 30 rhinitic patients with sensitization to pollen and/or Dermatophagoides antigens. A L-iodocyanopindolol radio-active marker was used. Our control population (20 healthy individuals) showed 908 +/- 396 receptors/cell. The rhinitic individuals showed a 24% decrease in receptors in relation to the control population. On the other hand, within the asthmatic patients there existed 2 differentiated groups: inactive asthmatics whose receptors were found to be within the normal limits and active asthmatics with a 36% decrease in receptors in relation to the healthy individuals (673 receptors/cell) establishing a significant statistical difference (p less than 0.005). As a consequence these data seem to support Szentivanyi's B-adrenoreceptor theory.