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Beta-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) are expressed on the membranes of various cell types and their activation affects body water balance by modulating renal sodium and water excretion, cardiovascular function and metabolic processes. However, β-AR-associated body fluid imbalance has not been well characterised. In the present study, we hypothesized that chronic β-AR stimulation increases electrolyte and water content at the tissue level. We evaluated the effects of isoproterenol, a non-selective β-AR agonist, on electrolyte and water balance at the tissue level. Continuous isoproterenol administration for 14 days induced cardiac hypertrophy, associated with sodium-driven water retention in the heart, increased the total body sodium, potassium and water contents at the tissue level, and increased the water intake and blood pressure of the mice. There was greater urine output in response to the isoproterenol-induced body water retention. These isoproterenol-induced changes were reduced by propranolol, a non-selective beta-receptor inhibitor. Isoproterenol-treated mice even without excessive water intake had higher total body electrolyte and water contents, and this tissue water retention was associated with lower dry body mass, suggesting that β-AR stimulation in the absence of excess water intake induces catabolism and water retention. These findings suggest that β-AR activation induces tissue sodium and potassium retention, leading to body fluid retention, with or without excess water intake. This characterisation of β-AR-induced electrolyte and fluid abnormalities improves our understanding of the pharmacological effects of β-AR inhibitors. Significance Statement We have shown that chronic β-AR stimulation causes cardiac hypertrophy associated with sodium-driven water retention in the heart and increases the accumulation of body sodium, potassium and water at the tissue level. This characterisation of the β-AR-induced abnormalities in electrolyte and water balance at the tissue level improves our understanding of the roles of β-AR in physiology and pathophysiology and the pharmacological effects of β-AR inhibitors., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.)

18-β-Glycyrrhetinic acid, a major component of licorice, stimulated the proliferation of both dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells isolated from human hair follicles. Thus, suggesting that this compound promotes hair growth. Furthermore, this compound inhibited the activity of testosterone 5α-reductase, an enzyme responsible for converting androgen to dihydroandrogen, with an IC 50 of 137.1 µM. 18-β-Glycyrrhetinic acid also suppressed the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which shifts the hair cycle from the anagen phase to the telogen phase. It suggested that this compound may prolong the anagen phase. Based on these findings, this compound could be a potentially effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia.