The influence of different beta-blocking drugs on the peripheral circulation in Raynaud's phenomenon and in hypertension.

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, the authors investigated the effects of different beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs on the peripheral circulation. A single intravenous injection of the nonselective beta-blocker propranolol (0.20 mg/kg), the beta 1-selective adrenoceptor blocker metoprolol (0.25 mg/kg), and the nonselective beta-blocker with partial agonistic activity (PAA) pindolol (0.04 mg/kg) and of placebo (saline) was given to eight patients with a primary Raynaud's phenomenon and to nine untreated patients with primary hypertension. The authors measured finger skin temperature (FST), and laser Doppler estimated finger skin blood flux (LDF) before, during, and after a standardized finger cooling test, performed 25 minutes after the administration of the drugs. In both patients groups propranolol, metoprolol, and pindolol had no significant effect on FST and LDF in the first 25 minutes after administration both in comparison to baseline value and to placebo. Also, no significant differences were found in the recoveries of FST and LDF after cold challenge between all drugs and placebo in both groups. The authors conclude that no adverse effect of any type of beta-adrenoceptor blocker in comparison to placebo could be detected after a single administration on both the baseline finger skin perfusion and the recovery after cold-induced vasoconstriction. In addition, the authors could not demonstrate a favorable effect of beta 1-selectivity or PAA in comparison to a nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blocker without PAA, in any group.