• 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 6  (1) , 7-11
Abstract
The .beta.-blocking potencies of mepindolol and pindolol were determined in guinea pig right atria (heart rate) and paced left atria (contractile force) in vitro. Neither agent showed selectivity for blocking rate responses induced by isoproterenol. The pA2 [competitive antagonistic activity] (95% confidence interval) values determined for mepindolol against rate and force responses induced by isoproterenol were 9.96 (9.91-10.01) and 9.52 (9.44-9.60), respectively, and for pindolol, 9.20 (9.15-9.25) and 8.85 (8.76-8.94). Mepindolol was approximately 6.5 times as potent as pindolol. Evidently, subpopulations of .beta.-receptors do not subserve inotropic and chronotropic responses.