[Beta receptor blockade and liver function]

The effects of propranolol on liver functions of healthy rats were studied administering daily doses of 1 mg/kg. Beta receptor blockade has been investigated in carbontetrachloride induced liver cirrhosis. Normal liver functions were unchanged with the exception of an increase in Glucos-6-Phosphatase. The severe cirrhotic injuries were counteracted or moderated when propranolol administration started the same day as CCl4 injection. The amount and function of mixed-function-monooxygenases were normalised. Carbohydrate and protein metabolism impairments were moderated. Serum triglyceride and HDL-cholesterin levels were however uninfluenced. The metabolic properties of propranolol seem to be advantageous in chronic liver impairments.