Selective and non-selective beta-blockade in renin release.

The effects of two beta-adrenergic receptor blocking drugs, the non-selective propranolol and the beta1selective metoprolol, were studied on hemodynamics and plasma renin activity (PRA) of healthy volunteers in an ergometric exercise test. Oral doses of 160 mg of propranolol and 200 mg of metoprolol were tested against placebo. The drug plasma concentrations were determined. Heart rate and systolic blood pressure were equal and significantly lower during treatment with both active drugs when compared to placebo. The effect of drugs on exercise heart rate was correlated with the logarithm of drug plasma concentration with both propranolol and metoprolol. Propranolol, but not metoprolol, decreased the basal level of PRA. The ergometric exercise induced a significant rise in PRA after placebo but this increase was partially inhibited by the both active drugs. On the basis of these findings it is suggested that in man the basal level of PRA could be decreased mainly by blocking the beta2-adrenoceptors. Instead the exercise induced increase of PRA could be inhibited by blocking the beta1-adrenergic receptors.