Ethnic differences in beta-1-adrenoceptor sensitivity.

C P Venter, P H Joubert

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde 1982 Nov 27

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In the light of reports that beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drugs seem to be ineffective in Black hypertensives, the effects of penbutolol on exercise-induced tachycardia were assessed in 6 Black and 6 White healthy volunteers. After a standardized breakfast at 08h00 the subjects received either intravenous penbutolol or placebo at 08h45, on a randomized double-blind basis. At each test session subjects were exercised for 5 minutes on a bicycle ergometer, the load predetermined to increase their heart rates to +/- 130/min. Recordings, spaced at 30-minute intervals, commenced 45 minutes after the injection. The results indicate that Black volunteers require a higher dose of penbutolol than Whites to achieve a similar degree of beta 1-adrenoceptor blockade. It also appears that the maximal response is lower in Blacks.

Citation

C P Venter, P H Joubert. Ethnic differences in beta-1-adrenoceptor sensitivity. South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde. 1982 Nov 27;62(23):849-50