Beta-adrenoceptors in the human dorsal hand vein, and the effects of propranolol and practolol on venous sensitivity to noradrenaline.

1 Infusion of isoprenaline into dorsal hand veins preconstricted with noradrenaline produced vasodilatation in four subjects out of five which was reversed by addition of propranolol. It is confirmed that beta-adrenoceptors are present in the hand veins of most subjects. 2 Addition of either propranolol or practolol to infusions of vasoconstrictor doses of noradrenaline potentiated the vasoconstriction in the hand vein. 3 After systemic administration of propranolol (0.3 mg/kg) or of practolol (1.0 mg/kg) intravenously, the sensitivity of the hand vein to the vasoconstrictor activity of noradrenaline was increased by 7.5 times and 2.9 times respectively. Significant reductions in hand skin temperature and resting pulse rate occurred after propranolol only. 4 It is suggested that this may be a useful method for the quantitative estimation of peripheral vascular beta-adrenoceptor blocking activity in man. At the doses used, significant beta-adrenoceptor blockade appears to occur at this site with practolol as well as propranolol.