Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists enhance white blood cell aggregation in patients with ischaemic heart disease.
The effects of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, calcium channel blockers and long acting nitrates on white blood cell (WBC) aggregation were studied in patients with ischaemic heart disease. WBC aggregation was significantly increased by beta-adrenoceptor antagonists (P = 0.011) but was unaffected by either calcium channel blockers or long acting nitrates. Enhanced WBC aggregation promotes microvascular occlusion and damage.
University Department of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee.
A B
AB
Bridges
T H
TH
Pringle
G P
GP
McNeill
R
R
Tavendale
J J
JJ
Belch
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002449:Cell Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000097:blood*; D009566:Nitrates / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D009566:Nitrates