Human beta-adrenoceptors: relation of myocardial and lymphocyte beta-adrenoceptor density

In human right atria obtained from 21 patients during open-heart surgery, beta-adrenoceptor density [assessed by iodine-125-labeled (-)-cyanopindolol binding] and responsiveness (positive inotropic responses to isoprenaline) were linearly related to the beta-adrenoceptor density in the corresponding circulating lymphocytes. This direct relation of human myocardial and lymphocyte beta-adrenoceptor alterations, therefore, makes it possible to monitor drug- or disease-induced beta-adrenoceptor changes in tissues not easily accessible in humans.