The importance of presynaptic beta receptors in Raynaud's disease.
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| Abstract |
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of atenolol, a beta 1-selective blocker, along with flunarizine, a calcium antagonist, in the management of Raynaud's disease. Forty patients with Raynaud's disease were randomized into a trial in which atenolol (50 mg daily) was given with flunarizine (10 mg daily). During the trial all patients were subjected to finger photoplethysmography and were given a diary to note daily the number and duration of the crises and presence or absence of pain and paresthesia. The association of atenolol with flunarizine caused an 80% reduction in the number of vasospastic crises, a significant increase (p less than 0.001) in the photoplethysmographic wave amplitude, and complete disappearance of pain and paresthesia. These results were not observed in patients treated with a placebo. Flunarizine reinforces the action of atenolol in causing a decrease in vasoconstriction in patients with Raynaud's disease, as observed previously by us, in that it acts directly on the beta-presynaptic receptors or on the calcium slow channels connected to the beta-receptors. The present study confirms that the principal role in the physiopathologic progression of Raynaud's disease seems to be played by a modification of the beta-presynaptic receptors in the nerve endings of the peripheral vessels.
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| Authors | G Brotzu, S Falchi, B Mannu, R Montisci, P Petruzzo, R Staico |
| Journal | Journal of vascular surgery (J Vasc Surg) Vol. 9 Issue 6 Pg. 767-71 (Jun 1989) ISSN: 0741-5214 [Print] United States |
| PMID | 2542629 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial) |
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