Cardiovascular and metabolic alterations in mice lacking beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors.

Targeted disruption of murine beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) genes has helped to clarify the role of specific beta-AR subtypes in regulating cardiovascular development and function. In the mouse, the beta1-AR is primarily responsible for sympathetic regulation of both cardiac chronotropy and inotropy. In contrast, all three beta-ARs play a role in regulating peripheral vascular tone. The impact of ablation of both beta1- and beta2-ARs on cardiac development and on resting cardiovascular and metabolic parameters is remarkably minimal. However, exercise stress reveals additional important contributions of beta1- and beta2-ARs to cardiovascular performance.