Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers

β-receptor blockers significantly impact the cardiovascular system by counteracting catecholamine-induced sympathetic responses. These medications decrease heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output, potentially leading to cardiac depression, life-threatening bradycardia, and death. Therapeutically, β-blockers function as mild antihypertensives and are utilized in treating angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmias. However, nonselective β-blockers inhibit β2-receptors in bronchial smooth...

Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers

Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers

Third-generation β-blockers, such as labetalol and carvedilol, represent a significant advancement in managing cardiovascular conditions. Unlike conventional β-blockers, which can induce peripheral vasoconstriction, third-generation drugs block α1 adrenoceptors. This promotes vasodilation through several mechanisms, such as increased nitric oxide production, inhibition of calcium ion entry, opening of potassium ion channels, and antioxidant action. Labetalol, for instance, is clinically...

Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of β-Receptor Blockers

Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of β-Receptor Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, or β-blockers, modulate the sympathetic nervous system by targeting β-adrenoceptors and inhibiting catecholamine-mediated sympathetic responses. β-blockers differ in their adrenoceptor subtype affinity, lipophilicity, and α-blocking capabilities. The history of β-blocker development began with the prototype, dichloroisoprenaline, which exhibited partial agonist activity. As a result, propranolol was developed as a pure antagonist but nonselective agent, paving the way...

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers

α-Adrenergic antagonists, known as α-blockers, exert their effects by inhibiting α-adrenoceptors, leading to specific physiological actions. α1-blockers and α2-blockers have distinct pharmacological actions and therapeutic applications.
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally, α1-blockers effectively address urinary obstruction...

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation, vasodilation, and...

Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers

Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers

β receptors are classified into three subclasses: β1, β2, and β3. β1 receptors are primarily located in the heart and kidneys. When they get activated, they increase heart rate, contractility, and renin release. This process enhances blood pressure and aids in stress management. In contrast, β2 receptors are situated mainly in the lungs, blood vessels, and skeletal muscles. Upon activation, they trigger smooth muscle relaxation, causing bronchodilation and vasodilation. This widens airways and...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

SGLT-2 Inhibitors: Focus on Dapagliflozin.

Cardiology in review·2024

Same author

The Impact of the Apolipoprotein E Genotype on Cardiovascular Disease and Cognitive Disorders.

Cardiology in review·2024

Same author

The Significance of Parametric Mapping in Advanced Cardiac Imaging.

Cardiology in review·2024

Same author

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Regurgitation: A Comprehensive Review.

Cardiology in review·2024

Same author

Harnessing the Power of AI: A Comprehensive Review of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Assessment With Echocardiography.

Cardiology in review·2024

Same author

Fontan-Associated Liver Disease: A Review.

Cardiology in review·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Measuring the Rate of Lipolysis in Ex Vivo Murine Adipose Tissue and Primary Preadipocytes Differentiated In Vitro

Measuring the Rate of Lipolysis in Ex Vivo Murine Adipose Tissue and Primary Preadipocytes Differentiated In Vitro

Published on: March 17, 2023

β-Adrenergic blockade in cardiovascular disease.

William H Frishman¹

¹Department of Medicine, New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA. william_frishman@nymc.edu

Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics

|May 3, 2013

Summary

Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers, or beta-blockers, are crucial synthetic drugs for cardiovascular diseases. Their development advanced pharmacotherapeutics, offering insights into G protein-coupled receptors and diverse clinical applications.

Keywords:

angina cardiomyopathy heart disease hypertension molecular biology β-adrenergic pathways

More Related Videos

Surgical Placement of Catheters for Long-term Cardiovascular Exercise Testing in Swine

Surgical Placement of Catheters for Long-term Cardiovascular Exercise Testing in Swine

Published on: February 9, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Measuring the Rate of Lipolysis in Ex Vivo Murine Adipose Tissue and Primary Preadipocytes Differentiated In Vitro

Measuring the Rate of Lipolysis in Ex Vivo Murine Adipose Tissue and Primary Preadipocytes Differentiated In Vitro

Published on: March 17, 2023

Surgical Placement of Catheters for Long-term Cardiovascular Exercise Testing in Swine

Surgical Placement of Catheters for Long-term Cardiovascular Exercise Testing in Swine

Published on: February 9, 2016

Area of Science:

Pharmacology
Cardiovascular Medicine
Molecular Biology

Background:

Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (beta-blockers) are synthetic drugs with significant therapeutic utility.
They are vital for treating and preventing numerous cardiovascular diseases.
Beta-blockers serve as molecular probes, enhancing understanding of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the advancements in beta-blocker development and their clinical applications.
To underscore the broad therapeutic impact of beta-blockers in cardiovascular medicine.
To discuss the role of beta-blockers in elucidating the structure and function of GPCRs.

Main Methods:

Review of clinical applications and therapeutic utility of beta-blockers.
Analysis of beta-blockers as molecular probes for understanding GPCRs.
Examination of the evolution of beta-blocker pharmacodynamic properties.

Main Results:

Beta-blockers represent a major advance in human pharmacotherapeutics.
They exhibit widespread utility in treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Refined beta-blockers include agents with selective, partial agonist, and vasodilator activities.

Conclusions:

Beta-blocker development has led to significant therapeutic and research advancements.
These drugs have a remarkable record of clinical safety across all age groups.
Continued evolution of beta-blockers offers improved therapeutic options for cardiovascular conditions.