[Influence of 3 beta-blockers on the diameter of glomeruli isolated from the renal cortex of rats].

The purpose of the study was to determine a direct vascular effect of beta-blockers on isolated glomeruli of rat kidney. The glomeruli were isolated by sieving and their diameters measured with a micrometer before and after addition of each of three beta-blockers. The diameter of the glomeruli increases (6,7%) with verapamil, a calcium inhibitor, but remains unchanged in the same experimental conditions as well with propranolol, drug which decreases renal plasma flow, than with nadolol and tertatolol, drug increasing renal haemodynamics. The location and the mechanism of the glomerular vasoactivity of these different beta-blockers are discussed.