Isoprenaline antagonism of cardioselective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents on human and rat adipocytes

1. The beta-adrenergic blocking potencies of practolol, ICI 66082, tolamolol, acebutolol, H 93/26, H 87/07, pindolol and Ro 3-4787 were compared with that of propranolol, on human and rat adipocytes. 2. A good correlation was found between the potencies on adipocytes of the two species but not between our results and literature data on antagonism of isopernaline tachycardia in the anaesthetized cat. 3. The results indicate that differences between adrenergic beta-receptors in heart and adipose tissue may be detected using cardioselective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents.