Compound of the Month: Clenbuterol - By Scorpio

Clenbuterol was developed and produced for the treatment of asthma as a bronchodilator. As a bronchodilator it binds to beta-2 adrenoceptors which activate adenyl cyclase. Activation of beta-2 adrenoceptors on inflammatory cells reduces the release of inflammatory mediators, and activation of those in vasculature can inhibit the permeability increase that occurs in inflammation. Thus making it easier to breath.

In the bodybuilding world Clenbuterol can be compared to ephedra, in the sense that it increases the production and secretion of catabolic hormones known as cathecholamines (like dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline)). (1)This will alter the contractile characteristics smooth muscles, some shall be stimulated and some shall be inhibited. The same act that would help with the asthma patient will also help stimulate thermogenisis. This action will raise blood pressure, stimulate the heart, and raise the body temperature.

It has been studied that clenbuterol has a pronounced effect in increasing muscle mass in livestock. Livestock are thought to have an abundance of the type 3 beta receptors, compared to a human who is thought to have very few. The type 3 beta receptors increase insulin secretion and sensitivity. Which transport more glucose and amino acids to the muscle, the muscle mass increase effect is not seen in the human animal due to the lack of beta-3 receptors.

Clenbuterol will cause a slight increase in body temperature. With each degree raised in body temperature will result in 5% of maintenance calories being burned. The human body will fight this through decreasing the amount of active thyroid hormone in the body and through beta receptor down regulation. This is why there is an effective time limit to take clenbuterol.

Clenbuterol is a known anti-catabolic. which means it decreases the rate at which protein is used up in the muscle cells, consequently causing hypertrophy of muscle cells. Why is this important? After the use of anabolics, the ester leaves the body and catabolic activity will begin again. For this clenbuterol is a great post cycle addition.

The half-life of clenbuterol is 36 hours. (2)The compound should be “ramped” up and then decreased, within a period of two weeks. The ramping up should be gradual and not to exceed 140mcgs, anything over this is thought to be wasteful and unable to be processed by the receptors.

Possible side effects of Clenbuterol include restlessness, palpitations, tremor (involuntary trembling of fingers), headache, increased perspiration, insomnia, possible muscle spasms, increased blood pres-sure, and nausea. Note that these side effects are of a temporary nature and usually subside after 8-10 days, despite continuation of the product.

1.http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/catclen.htm- Big cat.

2. Meinen K, Rahn M, Hermer M, Rominger KL, Kanitz T. Oral tocolytic therapy with clenbuterol - clinical facts. Z Geburtshilfe Perinatol 1988 Jul ; 192 (4) : 163-8

Scorpio - Copyright 2003 BeyondMass.com