Alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blocking properties of labetalol in renin release

The effect of labetalol, an alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor blocking antihypertensive, on plasma renin activity (PRA) and the hemodynamics of healthy volunteers at rest and during an ergometric exercise test was studied. Oral doses of 200 and 400 mg labetalol were tested against a placebo in a crossover manner. The labetalol plasma concentrations were determined. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the supine position decreased after 400 mg labetalol as did the response of the heart rate to exercise. The lower dose decreased the resting heart rate, but had no effect on the heart rate during exercise. The ergometric exercise induced an increase in PRA which was partly inhibited after 200 mg labetalol in a manner similar to that induced by beta-blockers in our earlier studies. After 400 mg labetalol PRA was already increased at one hour at sitting rest and this higher basal level was maintained for four hours. After this higher dose of labetalol the reaction of PRA to exercise was not significantly inhibited. In renin release the vasodilating alpha-blockade thus dominated the beta-blocking property of labetalol at the dose which decreased the blood pressure.