The effects of selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonists and partial agonist activity on renal function during exercise in normal subjects and those with moderate renal impairment.

1. The effects of sustained moderate exercise in the sitting position on renal haemodynamics and glomerular filtration were measured in six normotensive patients with moderately impaired renal function and seven age-matched normal volunteers. 2. The changes in the effects of exercise on renal function induced by chronic cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blockade by drugs with (epanolol) and without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (atenolol) were examined. 3. Both beta-adrenoceptor blockers attenuated the heart rate increase with exercise, but only atenolol lowered blood pressure significantly. In resting volunteers on atenolol, associated with the fall in blood pressure there was a significant reduction in glomerular filtration rate. 4. Glomerular filtration fell significantly in all groups with exercise, and renal blood flow also fell in parallel. These changes were not influenced by drug treatment. 5. The exercise-induced rise in PRA was suppressed by atenolol but not by epanolol. 6. The renal function and haemodynamic responses to moderate exercise does not appear to be mediated by the systemic renin-angiotensin system or by beta 1-adrenoceptors.