Antihypertensive action of beta-adrenoceptor blockade and the renin-angiotensin system.
1 The regulation of renin secretion is mediated by way of adrenoceptors. The role of alpha-adrenoceptors remains controversial, whereas it is generally accepted that activation of beta-adrenoceptors stimulates renin and their blockade suppresses renin. 2 Although experimental renin regulation appears to be a beta 2-receptor function, clinical studies suggest that in man it is a beta 1 effect. 3 beta-Adrenoceptor-blocking agents are effective antihypertensive agents, but have variable effects on renin secretion; this variability may be attributable to different degrees of instrinsic partial beta-agonistic activity and/or different receptor or organ selectivity of various compounds. 4 Antihypertensive effectiveness seems unrelated in magnitude or timing to the baseline levels or the changes of plasma renin activity for the majority of beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drugs.
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011392:Proline / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000502:physiology; D012083:Renin / Q000378:metabolism*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D011392:Proline; D012083:Renin