Beta-adrenoreceptor mechanisms in essential tremor; a double-blind placebo controlled trial of metoprolol, sotalol and atenolol.

Abstract

In order to elucidate the mode of action of beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists in essential tremor, the efficacy of chronic oral administration of metoprolol, atenolol and sotalol was compared in a randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial in twenty-four patients. Only sotalol proved superior to placebo on both subjective and "objective" assessments. Metoprolol and sotalol produced comparable degrees of beta-adrenoreceptor antagonism as judged by the blockade of standing tachycardia. Atenolol, in the dose used, produced a trend towards a greater cardiac chronotropic effect. These findings provide no support for the concept that central or peripheral beta 1-adrenoreceptor mechanisms are important in essential tremor. The beneficial effect of beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists may be mediated predominantly through peripheral beta 2-adrenoreceptor mechanisms.

• Authors: P N Leigh, D Jefferson, A Twomey, C D Marsden
• Journal: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry (J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry) Vol. 46 Issue 8 Pg. 710-5 (Aug 1983) ISSN: 0022-3050 [Print] England
• PMID: 6310053 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Propanolamines
• Receptors, Adrenergic, beta
• Atenolol
• Sotalol
• Metoprolol

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Atenolol (therapeutic use)
• Blood Pressure
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Metoprolol (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Propanolamines (therapeutic use)
• Pulse
• Receptors, Adrenergic, beta (physiology)
• Sotalol (therapeutic use)
• Tremor (drug therapy, physiopathology)