In the lungs, epinephrine has what effect?

In the lungs, epinephrine has what effect?

• A. Bronchodilation and mast cell stabilization
• B. Bronchodilation only
• C. No effect on the lungs
• D. Bronchoconstriction

Answer: (A)

Epinephrine works in the lungs by activating beta-2 adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle, which causes direct bronchodilation and helps open the airways quickly. It also stabilizes mast cells, reducing their degranulation and the release of histamine and other mediators that worsen bronchoconstriction and edema. So the drug not only widens the bronchi but also dampens the inflammatory and allergic responses that contribute to airway narrowing. That’s why it’s more than just bronchodilation—the mast cell stabilization part is also important. The other choices miss one of these key effects or state there’s no effect at all.

Epinephrine works in the lungs by activating beta-2 adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle, which causes direct bronchodilation and helps open the airways quickly. It also stabilizes mast cells, reducing their degranulation and the release of histamine and other mediators that worsen bronchoconstriction and edema. So the drug not only widens the bronchi but also dampens the inflammatory and allergic responses that contribute to airway narrowing. That’s why it’s more than just bronchodilation—the mast cell stabilization part is also important. The other choices miss one of these key effects or state there’s no effect at all.