The effects of selective beta‐adrenoceptor antagonists and partial agonist activity on renal function during exercise in normal subjects and those with moderate renal impairment.

Abstract

1 The effects of sustained moderate exercise in the sitting position on renal haemodynamics and glomerular filtration were measured in six normotensive patients with moderately impaired renal function and seven age-matched normal volunteers. 2 The changes in the effects of exercise on renal function induced by chronic cardioselective ,B-adrenoceptor blockade by drugs with (epanolol) and without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (atenolol) were examined. 3 Both ,B-adrenoceptor blockers attenuated the heart rate increase with exercise, but only atenolol lowered blood pressure significantly. In resting volunteers on atenolol, associated with the fall in blood pressure there was a significant reduction in glomerular filtration rate. 4 Glomerular filtration fell significantly in all groups with exercise, and renal blood flow also fell in parallel. These changes were not influenced by drug treatment. 5The exercise-induced rise in PRA was suppressed by atenolol but not by epanolol. 6 The renal function and haemodynamic responses to moderate exercise does not appear to be mediated by the systemic renin-angiotensin system or by 13l-adrenoceptors.