Inhibitory effect of propranolol on tetanic contraction in rabbit

The effects of propranolol on electrical and mechanical activity during tetanic stimulation of the diaphragm and leg muscles, and on the heart rate, were studied in the anaesthetized rabbit. Propranolol (from 0.5 mg/kg) reduced the EMG evoked in diaphragm by phrenic nerve stimulation (50/sec) and the EMG and force of contraction during periods of increased respiratory drive obtained by partial tracheal obstruction. The heart rate was lowered by 10-25%. In the indirectly or directly stimulated leg muscles, the drug induced high frequency inhibition of EMG and tetanic contractions (100/sec) without affecting twitch contractions. The inhibitory effect of propranolol on skeletal muscle was probably not caused by beta-adrenergic block, but by stabilization of the sarcolemma. The results suggest that the high frequency inhibitory effect might contribute to the fatigue and reduced work capacity frequently observed when high doses of propranolol are given to man and animals.