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Studies on the effects of propranolol on plasma catecholamine levels in patients with essential hypertension
Author(s) -
RAHN K. H.,
GIERLICHS H. W.,
PLANZ G.,
PLANZ R.,
SCHOLS M.,
STEPHANY W.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2362.1978.tb00827.x
Subject(s) - propranolol , catecholamine , endocrinology , medicine , epinephrine , essential hypertension , blockade , chemistry , blood pressure , heart rate , adrenergic receptor , pharmacology , receptor
. The influence of the beta receptor blocking agent propranolol on plasma catecholamine concentrations was studied in eight patients with essential hypertension. The study was of single blind crossover design. Propranolol given in oral doses ranging from 60 to 240 mg daily for a period of 3 weeks decreased blood pressure and heart rate. The beta‐adrenergic blocking agent caused plasma catecholamine levels to increase both at rest and during bicycle exercise. Chromatographical analysis showed that concentrations of noradrenaline as well as of adrenaline rose during treatment with propranolol. However, dopamine‐beta‐hydroxylase activity in plasma was not altered. Furthermore, the urinary excretion of noradrenaline, adrenaline and 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy mandelic acid did not change during beta receptor blockade. The results are compatible with the assumption that antihypertensive doses of propranolol by decreasing cardiac output cause an activation of the sympatho‐adrenal system.