Beta-blockers: a new therapeutic approach to Raynaud's disease.
Thirty-six patients with Raynaud's disease (RD) were treated with a low dosage of beta-blockers, atenolol (50 mg/day) or propranolol (20 mg/day). Previous data have suggested that the pathophysiology of RD may be mediated by presynaptic beta-adrenoceptors. In this research we report that chronic beta-blocker treatment, at low dosage, can prevent the cold-induced vasospasm. The majority of patients (28) responded to atenolol, and 8 patients refractory to atenolol responded to propranolol.
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001262:Atenolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003080:Cold Temperature; D006801:Humans; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001262:Atenolol; D011433:Propranolol