Racial Differences in β-Adrenoceptor-Mediated Responsiveness

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Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that racial differences may exist in p-adrenoceptor-mediated responsiveness. However, no clear conclusions can be drawn based on these studies because of the confounding effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on responses to isoproterenol bolus doses. In this study, we blocked the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system with atropine, to determine whether racial differences exist in sensitivity to β-adrenoreceptor stimulation and blockade. Sixteen healthy black and white men participated in the study. Atropine was administered before all studies to induce parasympathetic blockade. Isoproterenol sensitivity studies and treadmill exercise were then performed in the with and without β-adrenoceptor blockade by propranolol. Responses measured included heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and tremor. The average isoproterenol dose producing a 25-beat/min increase in HR was more than twofold higher in blacks than in whites (3.4 ± 1.2 vs. 1.6 ± 0.4 μg, respectively, p

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