The effect of a single dose of propranolol on human erythrocytes in vivo

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Abstract
In vitro propranolol [used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and thyrotoxicosis] has a profound effect on erythrocytes [human] as indicated b a decrease of the packed cell volume and a shift to the right of the O2 dissociation curve. Because of the lack of satisfactory in vivo studies, the effect of 80 mg propranolol and placebo was compared in 12 volunteers in a double-blind study. Although plasma propranolol concentrations varied greatly from individual to individual, all propranolol subjects demonstrated effective .beta.-blockade. Packed cell volume, mean cellular volume, plasma trapping after hematocrit centrifugation, P 50 [partial pressure of O2 at half saturation of Hb at pH 7.4, 37.degree. C] 2,3-DPG [2,3-diphosphoglycerate], ATP, erythrocyte filterability and blood viscosity at different packed cell volumes (50 and 80%) and shear rates (11.5, 23, 46, 115 and 230 s-1) did not change significantly following administration of either propranolol or placebo. These findings are of interest in view of the use of .beta.-blocking agents in critically ill patients.