Abnormal Adrenergic and Cholinergic Sensitivity in Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

THE organ systems most clearly affected by cystic fibrosis are regulated in part by the autonomic nervous system. Abnormal autonomic regulation may contribute to the clinical spectrum of cystic fibrosis.^{1 , 2} Previous studies have suggested that alpha-adrenergic regulation may be abnormal in the pupils,^{3 , 4} that beta-adrenergic responses are abnormal in leukocytes,⁵ and that responses to cholinergic agents may be disordered in the submaxillary gland⁶ and bronchial smooth muscle.^{7 , 8} Thus, abnormalities in all three components of the autonomic nervous system may coexist in cystic fibrosis. One possible explanation for these observations is altered responsiveness of the end organs. To assess this possibility, . . .