The effects of beta agonists on muscle cells in culture.

Increases in protein synthesis of 12% were found with two myogenic cell lines (L6 and G8-1) on treatment for 6 hr with the beta-adrenergic agonist cimaterol. In L6 cells, propranolol blocked the effect. Protein breakdown measured over 18-24 hr was unchanged. The Kd for cimaterol binding to the L6 beta-receptor was 26 nM which was compatible with its EC50 for the stimulation of protein synthesis (approx 5 nM). Evidence provided with muscle cell lines indicates a direct effect of cimaterol on protein synthesis, which may contribute to muscle accretion in cimaterol-fed animals.