title: Differential pharmacological properties of beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs.
abstract: After a short introduction on the basic physiology of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors, including their subdivisions into pre- and postsynaptic subtypes, the principle of competitive antagonism at the level of postjunctional beta-receptor subtypes is explained. Moreover, properties like membrane-stabilizing potency, beta 1-receptor selectivity (cardioselectivity), and intrinsic sympathomimetic activity are discussed at a molecular level. The most frequent applications of beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents in cardiovascular disease, neurology, psychiatry, ophthalmology, and endocrine disorders are enumerated and discussed at a pharmacological level, together with side effects, contraindications, and interactions with other drugs.
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D013566:Sympathomimetics