Effects of propranolol on cardiovascular and neuroendocrine responses to mental arithmetic in type A men.
beta-Adrenergic hyperreactivity has been proposed as a pathogenic mechanism of increased coronary risk in Type A individuals. This study compared the effects of propranolol, diazepam, and placebo on cardiovascular and neuroendocrine responses to a stressful cognitive task in six young Type A males. Although diazepam did not differ from placebo, propranolol attenuated heart rate and norepinephrine responses and enhanced cortisol responses to the task. Findings suggest that propranolol has reciprocal effects on the norepinephrine and cortisol components of the "fight-flight" response. Possible central nervous system mechanisms are described.
Williams
R B
RB
Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
Lane
J D
JD
Kuhn
C M
CM
Knopes
K
K
Schanberg
S M
SM
D000328:Adult; D003971:Diastole / Q000187:drug effects; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013599:Systole / Q000187:drug effects; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects
D006728:Hormones; D013739:Testosterone; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D011433:Propranolol; D003975:Diazepam; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D009638:Norepinephrine; D004837:Epinephrine