Attenuation of aortic banding-induced cardiac hypertrophy by propranolol is independent of beta-adrenoceptor blockade

Racemic propranolol attenuates cardiac hypertrophy secondary to abdominal aortic banding-induced pressure overload by a mechanism independent of its effect on cardiac work load. This was only observed, however, using doses of propranolol that were much higher than those needed to induce beta-adrenoceptor blockade. Thus, the question remains as to whether the antihypertrophic effect of propranolol depends on its ability to antagonize cardiac beta-adrenoceptor-mediated action (positive chronotropic effect, trophic effect) or on beta-adrenoceptor-independent action.