Abnormal ECG pattern during battery operation of Mennen model 741 ECG monitor.

likely developed, since the patient had been exposed to excess epinephrine for a long time. It has been shown that cyclic AMP increase due to epinephrine administration is impaired in asthmatics. Asthmatic patients have decreased betaadrenergic receptor "availability" and thus betaadrenergic dysfunction. 6'7 Furthermore, the withdrawal of the effect of prazosin which was given preoperatively, may trigger the recurrence of asthma, because alpha-blockade has been shown to increase cyclic AMP in asthmatic patients 8 and to inhibit the bronchoconstfiction by alpha-agonists. 9 In summary, since adrenal secretion of epinephrine plays an important role in the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles, we should keep in mind that episodes of bronchial constriction can occur after adrenalectomy in asymptomatic asthmatic patients.