Antihypertensive action of beta-adrenoceptor blockade and the renin-angiotensin system

1 The regulation of renin secretion is mediated by way of adrenoceptors. The role of alpha-adrenoceptors remains controversial, whereas it is generally accepted that activation of beta-adrenoceptors stimulates renin and their blockade suppresses renin. 2 Although experimental renin regulation appears to be a beta 2-receptor function, clinical studies suggest that in man it is a beta 1 effect. 3 beta-Adrenoceptor-blocking agents are effective antihypertensive agents, but have variable effects on renin secretion; this variability may be attributable to different degrees of instrinsic partial beta-agonistic activity and/or different receptor or organ selectivity of various compounds. 4 Antihypertensive effectiveness seems unrelated in magnitude or timing to the baseline levels or the changes of plasma renin activity for the majority of beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drugs.