Effect of some beta-adrenoceptor blockers and of (+) propranolol on adrenaline-induced pulmonary edema in mice.

(+) Propranolol is considered to prevent adrenaline-induced pulmonary edema (A.P.E.) due to the beta-adrenoceptor blockade. However, local anaesthetics also are known to prevent pulmonary edema. To assess the role of beta-adrenergic blockade in A.P.E., the effect of a beta 1-blocker possessing local anaesthetic action (+/- Metaprolol) and a beta 1-blocker possessing no local anaesthetic action (+/- practolol) was studied along with propranolol derivatives. The study revealed that (+), (-), (+/-) propranolol and (+/-) metaprolol completely prevented A.P.E. whereas (+/-) practolol did not. This shows that local anaesthetic action but not the-beta adrenergic blockade may be responsible for prevention of A.P.E.