Effects of beta-blockade on urinary albumin excretion in normal subjects

Urinary albumin excretion is a marker of renal damage in diabetic or hypertensive patients and a reduction of albuminuria during beta-blockade has been demonstrated in several studies. In the present study the effects of beta-blockade with drugs known for differences in their impact on renal function (propranolol, atenolol, bopindolol) on albumin excretion in normotensive and normoalbuminuric subjects were investigated. No effect of beta-blockade on albumin excretion was found, despite decreased plasma renin activity, blood pressure and heart rate. It was concluded that studies in healthy controls are not useful to predict the outcome of treatment in microalbuminuric patients. Cross-over studies using different beta-blockers have yet to be done in micro- or macroalbuminuric patients to evaluate the potential for benefit.