β- adrenergic agonists: substances with anabolic effect in animals for meat production.

The paper reviews the literature data on the β-adrenergic agonists as a group of substances with anabolic effect in animals. The chemical structures of individual compounds are displayed as their basic properties, mechanism of action, physiological effects and adverse effects in humans and animals caused by exposure to anabolic doses of these substances. β- agonists in the body achieve the effect by binding to specific β-adrenergic receptors located on cell membranes of target tissues. Their use in anabolic dose in animals results in a significant increase in muscle mass and a decrease in body fat mass, better utilization of food, increased growth of animals and improved organoleptic properties of meat produced. In the last two decades, in some countries of the European Union, β-agonists were illegally used during the fattening of animals, with the aim to achieve significant yield in meat production and higher economic profit. A misuse of the clenbuterol as the most important representative has caused adverse effects on human and animal health. In the European Union, as well as in Croatia, the use of these substances with anabolic purposes in animals for meat production is prohibited, and the control of abuse is carried out through national residue monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]