[Effects of propranolol and metoprolol on beta-adrenergic metabolic responses (author's transl)]

In ten healthy volunteers infusion of 7 micrograms/kg orciprenaline produced typical changes in carbohydrate and fat metabolism due to beta-adrenergic stimulation. Pretreatment with intravenously administered propranolol or metoprolol significantly inhibited orciprenaline-induced changes in systolic blood pressure, heart rate and plasma FFA, potassium, glucose and glycerol levels. Propranolol (0.1 mg/kg) seemed to be more effective than metoprolol (0.2 mg/kg) even in inhibiting predominantly beta 1-adrenergic responses.