Beta 2 receptors on myocardial cells in human ventricular myocardium.

Beta 2-adrenergic receptors comprise 40% of the total beta-receptor population in failing human right ventricles, as deduced from computer modeling of iodine-125 iodocyanopindolol-ICI 118,551 competition curves. A myocardial cell origin of at least some of the beta 2 subpopulation was demonstrated by documenting a beta 2-receptor mediated positive inotropic response to the selective beta 2 agonist zinterol. It is concluded that beta 2-adrenergic receptors are present on human ventricular myocardial cells.