The adrenoceptor blocking properties of the new beta 2-selective antagonist, IPS 339 on tracheal smooth muscle and on slow contracting skeletal muscle.

The beta-adrenoceptor blocking properties of IPS 339 and propranolol were studied on isolated preparations of trachea and of the slow-contracting soleus muscle from the guinea-pig. Both compounds antagonized the relaxation of the trachea and the depression of subtetanic contractions of the soleus produced by the beta2-selective agonist, terbutaline. On the soleus muscle the pA2-values for IPS 339 and propranolol were similar and close to those obtained for propranolol on the trachea. However, on the trachea the slope of the Schildplot for IPS 339 against terbutaline became less than one and a reliable pA2-value could not be calculated.