Hemodynamic and hormonal adaptations to beta-adrenoceptor blockade. A 24-hour study of acebutolol, atenolol, pindolol, and propranolol in hypertensive patients

Acute effects of intravenous dronedarone on electrocardiograms, hemodynamics and cardiac functions in anesthetized dogs

Dronedarone is a class III antiarrhythmic that has been used for management of atrial fibrillation in humans, but limited information was found in dogs. The objective of this study was to determine the acute effects of escalating concentrations of dronedarone on electrocardiograms (ECG), hemodynamics and cardiac mechanics in healthy dogs. A total of 7 beagle dogs were anesthetized with isoflurane and instrumented to obtain lead II ECG, pressures at ascending aorta, right atrium, pulmonary artery and left ventricle, and left ventricular pressure-volume relationship. Five dogs were given vehicle and followed by escalating doses of dronedarone (0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 mg/kg, 15 min for each dose), and two dogs were used as a vehicle-treated control. All parameters were measured at 15 min after the end of each dose. The results showed that all parameters in vehicle-treated dogs were unaltered. Dronedarone at 2.5 mg/kg significantly lengthened PQ interval (P<0.01), reduced cardiac output (P<0.01) and increased systemic vascular resistance (P<0.01). Dronedarone produced negative inotropy assessed by significantly lowered end-systolic pressure-volume relationship, preload recruitable stroke work, contractility index and dP/dtmax. It also impaired diastolic function by significantly increased end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship, tau and dP/dtmin. These results suggested that acute effects of dronedarone produced negative dromotropy, inotropy and lusitropy in anesthetized dogs. Care should be taken when given dronedarone to dogs, especially when the patients have impaired cardiac function.

A randomized controlled study on the effects of bisoprolol and atenolol on sympathetic nervous activity and central aortic pressure in patients with essential hypertension

Objective

β-blockers (BBs) with different pharmacological properties may have heterogeneous effects on sympathetic nervous activity (SNA) and central aortic pressure (CAP), which are independent cardiovascular factors for hypertension. Hence, we analyzed the effects of bisoprolol and atenolol on SNA and CAP in hypertensive patients.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled study in 109 never-treated hypertensive subjects randomized to bisoprolol (5 mg) or atenolol (50 mg) for 4–8 weeks. SNA, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) were measured using power spectral analysis using a Finometer. CAP and related parameters were determined using the SphygmoCor device (pulse wave analysis).

Results

Both drugs were similarly effective in reducing brachial BP. However, central systolic BP (−14±10 mm Hg vs −6±9 mm Hg; P<0.001) and aortic pulse pressure (−3±10 mm Hg vs +3±8 mm Hg; P<0.001) decreased more significantly with bisoprolol than with atenolol. The augmentation index at a HR of 75 bpm (AIxatHR75) was significantly decreased (29%±11% to 25%±12%; P = 0.026) in the bisoprolol group only. Furthermore, the change in BRS in the bisoprolol group (3.99±4.19 ms/mmHg) was higher than in the atenolol group (2.66±3.78 ms/mmHg), although not statistically significant (P>0.05). BRS was stable when RHR was controlled (RHR≤65 bpm), and the two treatments had similar effects on the low frequency/high frequency (HF) ratio and on HF.

Conclusion

BBs seem to have different effects on arterial distensibility and compliance in hypertensive subjects. Compared with atenolol, bisoprolol may have a better effect on CAP.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01762436

Etoricoxib attenuates effect of antihypertensives in a rodent model of DOCA-salt induced hypertension

While it is known that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors influence BP, the exact relationship and underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We investigated the effect of etoricoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor on the antihypertensive efficacy of atenolol; beta-blocker, ramipril; angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and telmisartan; angiotensin receptor blocker in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats, a mineralocorticoid volume expansion model. Etoricoxib attenuated the antihypertensive-induced reduction of systolic (atenolol; P < .001, ramipril; P = .011, telmisartan; P = .003) and mean arterial pressure (atenolol; P < .001, ramipril; P = .032, telmisartan; P = .023). These results demonstrate that COX-2 dependent mechanisms play a significant role in blood pressure regulation, and etoricoxib-induced COX-2 inhibition blunts the therapeutic effect of different classes of antihypertensives in this mineralocorticoid volume expansion model of hypertension.

[Perioperative beta-blockers. Part one: fundamentals]

PURPOSE

To review the pharmacologic and pathophysiologic information necessary to prescribe beta-blockers (BB) in perioperative medicine.

DATA SOURCE

Manual retrieval and electronic research of the literature using MEDLINE (key-words: anesthesia and beta- blocker; surgery and beta-blocker).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Cardioselective BB inhibit preferentially beta-1 receptors, inducing a decrease in heart rate and cardiac inotropism leading to reduction of oxygen myocardial consumption. Non-cardioselective BB inhibit also beta-2 receptors, increasing bronchial and peripheral vascular resistances and uterine contractions. However, some BB are also vasodilators (carvedilol, celiprolol, labetalol). Contraindications to BB result logically from their pharmacological effects. Treatment with BB increases membrane beta-receptor density; this explains sympathetic overactivity observed during weaning of treatment. Since the discovery of propranolol in 1964, the use of BB has been controversial in anesthesia. Formerly, the adverse effects of partial sympatholysis during anesthesia and surgery were feared. However, since 1973, experimental and clinical data have suggested a protective hemodynamic effect.

CONCLUSION

Continued administration of BB up to the time of anesthesia has been encouraged except in patients with signs of intolerance such as hypotension or excessive bradycardia.

Effect of celiprolol therapy on arterial dilatation in experimental hypertension

1. It has recently been suggested that therapy with beta-adrenoceptor blockers reduces peripheral arterial resistance via enhanced vascular dilatation. Therefore, we studied the effects of celiprolol, which is a specific beta 1-antagonist that has a weak beta 2-agonist action, on arterial tone in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. 2. Two doses of celiprolol (5 and 50 mg kg-1 day-1) were administered to the SHR, while the WKY rats received only the higher dose of the drug. During the 12-week treatment period the higher dose attenuated the increase in blood pressure by approximately 20 mmHg in SHR, whereas the lower dose was without significant antihypertensive effect. Celiprolol therapy did not affect blood pressure in the normotensive WKY rats. 3. Responses of mesenteric arterial rings in vitro were examined at the end of the study. Interestingly, endothelium-mediated relaxations of noradrenaline (NA)-precontracted rings to acetylcholine (ACh) in the absence and presence of the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, diclofenac, were equally enhanced in both celiprolol-treated SHR groups. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) practically abolished the relaxations to ACh in all SHR irrespective of whether they had received celiprolol, whereas in WKY rats L-NAME only attenuated the responses to ACh. However, no differences were found between the SHR groups in relaxations to ACh when hyperpolarization of smooth muscle was prevented by precontractions induced by 50 mM KCl. Vasorelaxation of NA-precontracted rings to the exogenous nitric oxide donor, nitroprusside, was also moderately augmented in both celiprolol-treated SHR groups, while the relaxation to beta-adrenoceptor agonist, isoprenaline, remained equally impaired in all SHR whether or not they had received celiprolol. No differences were observed between the two WKY groups in the responses to ACh, nitroprusside or isoprenaline. 4. Contractile sensitivity of mesenteric arterial rings to the receptor-mediated agonists, NA and 5-hydroxytryptamine, was comparable in all study groups. 5. In conclusion, SHR treatment with either the low or the higher dose of celiprolol was accompanied by enhancement of both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent nitric oxide-mediated arterial relaxation, possibly via a hyperpolarization mechanism. Interestingly, this effect appeared to be independent of the reduction in blood pressure.

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of ramipril with propranolol

We have studied the pharmacodynamic effects of ramipril, propranolol, and their combination, as well as the effect of propranolol on the pharmacokinetics of ramipril in 12 healthy men (age 24 (SD 6) y, weight 72 (7) kg). Propranolol and placebo, ramipril and placebo, or propranolol and ramipril were given orally for four days in a crossover, double-blind fashion. The pharmacokinetics of ramipril and ramiprilat were investigated on day 4. Effects on plasma renin activity, ACE activity, and heart rate and blood pressure both before and after a standardized exercise test were measured on days 1 and 4. On day 4 the combination reduced the mean arterial pressure by 2.8 mmHg compared with propranolol alone and by 3.7 mmHg compared with ramipril alone. Ramipril had no effect on the bradycardia induced by propranolol. Propranolol reduced exercise mean arterial pressure by 9 mmHg (day 4) and heart rate by 7 beats.min-1 (day 4) compared with ramipril; this was not affected by co-administration of ramipril. On day 4 the average plasma renin activity was not significantly higher than after the combination. ACE activity was not affected by propranolol. The pharmacokinetics of ramipril and ramiprilat were not influenced by propranolol. The combination of ramipril and propranolol has additive pharmacodynamic effects that may be useful in the treatment of hypertension.

Plasma catecholamine concentrations are a reliable index of sympathetic vascular tone in patients with cirrhosis

In patients with cirrhosis, the significance of elevated plasma catecholamine concentrations is unclear. Thus we investigated the relationship between plasma catecholamine concentrations and the hemodynamic effect of pindolol (an index of sympathetic vascular tone) in 10 patients with cirrhosis. Systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics and plasma catecholamine concentrations in the pulmonary artery and the splanchnic veins (hepatic and azygos veins) were studied before and after the oral administration of pindolol (20 mg). In basal conditions patients exhibited a hyperkinetic circulatory syndrome and elevated plasma catecholamine concentrations. Alterations in basal hemodynamics were correlated with plasma epinephrine concentrations but not with norepinephrine. Pindolol administration significantly decreased heart rate and increased right atrial pressure. After pindolol administration, individual hemodynamic changes (cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, wedged hepatic venous pressure) were significantly correlated with plasma catecholamine concentrations. In conclusion, this study shows that in cirrhotic patients epinephrine may play a role in hemodynamic alterations, and plasma catecholamine concentrations are an index of sympathetic vascular tone.

Influence of nebivolol on the cardiovascular hemodynamics during postural changes and isometric exercise

Nebivolol (R67555), a drug with beta 1 receptor antagonizing properties, was administered once daily (5 mg) for 7 days in 10 healthy volunteers. The hemodynamic parameters were measured noninvasively during postural changes (supine, sitting, standing) and during isometric handgrip at 50% maximal voluntary contraction, before and 3, 8, and 23 hours after the first nebivolol intake of 5 mg; the same measurements were done 23 hours after the last intake. Nebivolol lowered arterial blood pressure acutely and chronically due to a decrease in heart rate and cardiac output. The stroke volume seemed to be preserved, while the total peripheral vascular resistance did not change. Nebivolol did not change the orthostatic responses, except that the absolute value was lowered. Nebivolol was unable to prevent the blood pressure increase during isometric handgrip. However, this blood pressure increase was obtained by an increase in the total peripheral vascular resistance and not by an increase in the cardiac output, as observed during control measurements before nebivolol intake.

Cardiovascular reactivity to psychosocial stressors. A review of the effects of beta-blockade

Fifty-nine studies examining the effects of beta-blockers on cardiovascular reactivity to psychosocial stressors are reviewed. Across all classifications of beta-blockers, heart rate reactivity was reduced (p less than 0.0001), while there were no significant changes in either systolic or diastolic blood pressure reactivity. Nonselective beta-blockers were more often associated with a reduction in heart rate reactivity than selective blockers (p less than 0.05). There was no evidence that drug lipophilicity or intrinsic sympathomimetic activity differentially affected blood pressure or heart rate reactivity; nor was there evidence that the reactivity of hypertensive subjects was differentially affected by blockade compared to the reactivity of normotensive subjects. While beta-blockers are effective in reducing resting blood pressure, they are not effective agents in reducing blood pressure reactivity to mild psychosocial stressors.

Vasodilation, not cardiodepression, underlies the antihypertensive effect of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists

Most antihypertensive drugs act by counteracting vasoconstrictor mechanisms and lower blood pressure by lowering vascular resistance. The beta blockers, which have the unique ability to counteract cardiac sympathetic drive, seem to be a major exception to this. Moreover, their degree of cardiodepression is directly correlated with the initial sympathetic tone and also with their degree of intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA). Cardiodepression initially evokes a baroreflex-mediated proportional rise in vascular resistance. As indicated by review of the literature, the antihypertensive effect of beta blockers always parallels a decline in vascular resistance. Studying beta blockers with different degrees of ISA in 50 hypertensive patients after minimizing cardiac sympathetic drive by strict bed rest showed that the initial effect of the drug is offset by a rise in vascular resistance proportional to the fall in cardiac output. After that, blood pressure always fell in parallel with vascular resistance, whatever the absolute level of cardiac output. In the long run, blood pressure and vascular resistance were always positively correlated, irrespective of the level of cardiac output. Thus, like all other antihypertensive agents, beta blockers also lower blood pressure through interference with a vasoconstrictor mechanism.

Required beta blocker profile in the elderly

In the truly elderly, a complex balance between compensatory processes and impaired organ function allows reasonably normal physical function. It is argued that beta blockade should have certain desirable qualities to minimize any impairment of organ function, thereby upsetting the quality of life. Thus a simple pharmacokinetic pattern without hepatic metabolism is less likely to cause unexpected variation in blood levels of the beta blocking agents and to have fewer risks of interactions with other drugs including nicotine. Renal-excreted beta blockers--such as atenolol, nadolol, and celiprolol--do, however, need downward dose adjustment when the glomerular filtration rates fall. The elderly are frequently categorized as having a low renin profile, which in the view of some workers may make a vasodilatory beta blocker more desirable. Hemodynamic advantages of such agents include the prime site of attack in hypertension on the increased peripheral vascular resistance, increasingly fundamental with a prolonged duration of hypertension and therefore with the aging process. Furthermore, a normal heart rate with a sustained cardiac output may avoid symptomatic bradycardia. In the elderly, respiratory function may be impaired so that loss of elastic recoil causes elderly emphysema. A highly cardioselective beta blocker should be an advantage. Finally, minimal interference with glucose and lipid metabolism should also be desirable goals.

Prolonged blood pressure reduction by orally active renin inhibitor RO 42-5892 in essential hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a novel specific renin inhibitor, RO 42-5892, with high affinity for human renin (Ki = 0.5 x 10(-9) mol/l), on plasma renin activity and angiotensin II concentration and on 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure in essential hypertension.

DESIGN

Exploratory study in which active treatment was preceded by placebo.

SETTING

Inpatient unit of teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Nine men with uncomplicated essential hypertension who had a normal sodium intake.

INTERVENTIONS

Two single intravenous doses of RO 42-5892 (100 and 1,000 micrograms/kg in 10 minutes) given to six patients and one single oral dose (600 mg) given to the three others as well as to three of the patients who also received the two intravenous doses.

RESULTS

With both intravenous and oral doses renin activity fell in 10 minutes to undetectably low values, while angiotensin II concentration fell overall by 80-90% with intravenous dosing and by 30-40% after the oral dose. Angiotensin II concentration was back to baseline four hours after the low and six hours after the high intravenous dose and remained low for at least eight hours after the oral dose. Blood pressure fell rapidly both after low and high intravenous doses and after the oral dose and remained low for hours. With the high intravenous dose the daytime (0900-2230), night time (2300-0600), and next morning (0630-0830) systolic blood pressures were significantly (p less than 0.05) lowered by 12.5 (95% confidence interval 5.6 to 19.7), 12.2 (5.4 to 19.3), and 10.7 (3.2 to 18.5) mm Hg respectively, and daytime diastolic pressure was lowered by 9.3 (2.2 to 16.8) mmHg. With the oral dose daytime, night time, and next morning systolic blood pressures were lowered by 10.3 (5.5 to 15.4), 10.5 (4.2 to 17.2), and 9.7 (4.0 to 15.6) mm Hg, and daytime and night time diastolic pressures were lowered by 5.8 (0.9 to 11.0) and 6.0 (0.3-12) mm Hg respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of the inhibitor on blood pressure was maintained over a longer period than its effect on angiotensin II. RO 42-5892 is orally active and has a prolonged antihypertensive effect in patients who did not have sodium depletion. This prolonged effect seems to be independent, at least in part, of the suppression of circulating angiotensin II.

Sleep patterns in congenital dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency

Sleep patterns of two young female patients with congenital dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency are described. In this orthostatic syndrome central and peripheral noradrenergic failure occurs as a result of impaired beta-hydroxylation of dopamine. Consequently, the levels of dopamine and its metabolites are elevated. The relative importance of noradrenaline deficit in the face of dopamine excess for sleep-regulatory mechanisms can be inferred from the sleep pattern of these patients. No subjective sleep complaints were reported. The sleep patterns showed a high percentage of slow-wave sleep in both patients (29% and 34% of sleep period time) and a relatively low to normal percentage of REM sleep (18% and 21%). A normal cyclic REM sleep pattern was observed. Alpha-delta sleep occurred during light sleep (15% and 8%); consequently, the amount of stage 2 sleep was reduced. These results indicate that functional insufficiency of the noradrenergic system in two patients with dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency is not associated with profound changes in the (REM) sleep pattern. This supports a modulatory or permissive role for noradrenaline in REM sleep mechanisms.

[Beta blockers and anesthesia]

Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists (BB) demonstrate a competitive antagonism with endogenous catecholamines. Beta-1 receptor blockade mediates the depressive action on contractility, heart rate and atrio-ventricular conduction. Beta-2 receptor blockade mediates vascular, bronchial and uterine smooth muscle constriction. BB with beta-1 selective and intrinsec sympathomimetic activity do not increase systemic vascular resistance. BB are mostly used to treat ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and arrhythmias. Bradycardia, hypotension and bronchospasm are the main hazards in BB treated patients undergoing anaesthesia. However giving BB with premedication to patients taking usely this treatment allows better perioperative haemodynamic stability and avoids rebound effect. Experimentally, oxprenolol reverses regional dysfunction in ischaemic myocardium under halothane anaesthesia. During and after anaesthesia, intravenous (i.v.) BB must be used with caution to treat hypertension associated with tachycardia. In controlled hypotension, i.v. BB potentialise other agents. In phaechromocytoma surgery, alpha-blocking drugs are essential but additional BB can control tachycardia successfully. In coronary artery bypass surgery, giving BB prior to induction decreases cardiac enzymes serum levels. Esmolol, a new ultra-short-acting BB, would control perioperative tachycardia and hypertension without risk of prolonged cardiac depression.

Measurement and cardiovascular relevance of partial agonist activity (PAA) involving beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors

In the normal heart the ratio of beta 1/beta 2-receptors in both atria and ventricles is about 75:25; in the failing heart the ratio is about 60:40. Stimulation of either beta 1- or beta 2-receptors results in a positive chronotropic and inotropic response. In the periphery, with the exception of lipolysis, renin release, control of intraocular pressure and intestinal relaxation, beta 2-related activity predominates. The nature of the beta 2-receptor is being unravelled and it has now been cloned. The beta-receptor antagonist is 'anchored' via disulfide bonding. Subsequent events involve the regulatory protein guanine nucleotide which couples the receptor to adenylate cyclase. beta-receptor density may by up- or down-regulated. beta-stimulation down-regulates (uncouples and internalizes or sequestrates) and beta-antagonism up-regulates beta-receptor numbers, but the functional implications of such changes are not always clear. A partial agonist occupies a receptor site and competitively inhibits the full agonist (e.g. noradrenaline). A partial agonist differs from a full agonist in that maximal response of a tissue is less. When background sympathetic activity is absent or very low a partial agonist will act as an agonist, e.g. increase heart rate, but when background tone is high the partial agonist will behave functionally as an antagonist, e.g. decrease heart rate. In animals partial agonist activity (PAA) can be assessed in many ways. In the catecholamine-depleted (reserpine or syrosingopine), vagotomized or pithed, intact animal beta-activity can be assessed via changes in heart rate, cardiac contractility and atrioventricular conduction. Isolated organs can also be used such as atria, papillary muscle, tracheal, mesenteric artery and uterine preparations. The choice of animal is important as marked species differences in response can occur. In man assessing PAA is difficult due to the presence of an intact sympathetic system: the problem can be overcome by autonomic blockade of constrictor and vagal reflexes with prazosin, clonidine and atropine but leaving the beta-receptor mediated responses unimpaired. beta 1- and beta 2-selective PAA can also be gauged via an increased sleeping heart rate (basal sympathetic tone) in the presence and absence of a beta 1- and beta 2-selective antagonist. beta 1-selective PAA can also cause an increase in resting systolic blood pressure, beta 2-selective PAA may be further assessed by a fall in DBP, increased blood flow, fall in peripheral resistance or increased finger tremor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mechanism of antihypertensive action of dilevalol compared with that of "cardioselective" beta-blocking agents

The hemodynamic effects of dilevalol, a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocking agent with vasodilating properties, were evaluated in 34 hypertensive patients and compared with those of the "cardioselective" beta blockers atenolol and metoprolol in 21 patients. Hemodynamic measurements were obtained at baseline, after acute treatment (first dose) with dilevalol (400 mg) and atenolol (50 mg) or metoprolol (100 mg), and again after subchronic treatment with these agents. After both acute and subchronic treatment (mean daily dose 1,042 mg), dilevalol significantly reduced mean arterial pressure (MAP, p less than 0.0001), by significantly reducing systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI, p less than 0.001), and by not significantly altering cardiac index (CI). In contrast, atenolol and metoprolol significantly reduced MAP (p less than 0.002) by significantly reducing CI (p less than 0.0001), with a concomitant increase in SVRI (p less than 0.007). Heart rate (HR) was reduced significantly less (p less than 0.006) with dilevalol than with the cardioselective agents. Correlation of the decrease in MAP with other hemodynamic parameters revealed that the effects on MAP of acute treatment with the cardioselective drugs are related to a decrease in HR (r = 0.63, p = 0.002), whereas those of subchronic treatment are correlated to a decrease in CI (r = 0.59, p = 0.01). The decrease in MAP after acute and subchronic dilevalol treatment is correlated primarily with SVRI (r = 0.46 to 0.49, p less than 0.01) and only secondarily with HR (r = 0.34, p less than 0.05). Therefore, the main mechanism of antihypertensive action for dilevalol is vasodilation, in contrast to the cardioselective agents, which is beta blockade.

Support for adrenaline-hypertension hypothesis: 18 hour pressor effect after 6 hours adrenaline infusion

In a double blind, crossover study 6 h infusions of adrenaline (15 ng/kg/min; 1 ng = 5.458 pmol), noradrenaline (30 ng/kg/min; 1 ng = 5.911 pmol), and a 5% dextrose solution (5.4 ml/h), were given to ten healthy volunteers in random order 2 weeks apart. By means of intra-arterial ambulatory monitoring the haemodynamic effects were followed for 18 h after the infusions were stopped. Adrenaline, but not noradrenaline, caused a delayed and protracted pressor effect. Over the total postinfusion period systolic and diastolic arterial pressure were 6 (SEM 2)% and 7 (2)%, respectively, higher than after dextrose infusion (ANOVA, p less than 0.001). Thus, "stress" levels of adrenaline (230 pg/ml) for 6 h cause a delayed and protracted pressor effect. These findings are strong support for the adrenaline-hypertension hypothesis in man.