Year: 2008
Type: article
Abstract: Since the introduction of propranolol into clinical use over 15 years ago many other (3-adrenoceptor blocking agents have been discovered and made available for both experimental and clinical studies.Despite the pharmacological differences between them with respect to membrane-stabilizing property, intrin sic sympathomimetic activity, cardioselectivity and bioavailability, all (3-blockers have an established and common clinical field of application, i.e. ischemic heart disease, hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias.Recently (3-blockers have also been found useful in the management of some noncardiac disorders such as hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, cardiac neurosis, alcoholism, migraine, schizophrenia, etc. Undoubtedly the widest use of all (3-blockers so far has been in the field of hypertension.The results of extensive clinical studies during the past decade have sug gested several possible antihypertensive modes of action of (3-blockers, i.e. a reduction in cardiac output, a resetting of baroreceptors, an antirenin effect, an antiadrenergic action and a central reduction of sympathetic outflow.Although no final conclusion could be drawn with respect to these mecha nisms, it is possible that one or more of them might be responsible for the reduction of blood pressure, at least in some hypertensive patients.At this symposium, Dr. Prichard has thoroughly reviewed the work done in the search for the antihypertensive mechanisms of action of (3-blockers.His review is expected to stimulate those interested in this field to pursue further research in the hope of eventually discovering the final answer to this question.One of the earlier hypotheses which stimulated great enthusiasm and inter est in the antihypertensive mechanism of action of (3-blockers is the antirenin effect first reported by Dr. Biihler and his colleagues from New York.Although
Source: Cardiology
DOI: 10.1159/000172991
Language: English
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W3143924223