[Hemodynamic and humoral changes during administration of a sympathomimetic and a sympatholytic drug with special notes on the regulation of renin release (author's transl)].

Studies in normal volunteers documented the positive inotropic effects of Etilefrin-HCL, a direct sympathomimetic drug, with increases of systolic blood pressure, renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. Sodium and potassium excretion as well as serum potassium decreased. After an additional injection of Metoprolol, a beta 1-sympatholytic drug, blood pressure, renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate normalized, whereas electrolyte excretion decreased further. Renin release was decreased during administration of Etilefrin as well as during combined Etilefrin and Metoprolol application. Reziprocal to changes of blood pressure, plasma norepinephrine concentration decreased during Etilefrin and increased during combined administration of Etilefrin and Metoprolol. The results lead to the following interpretation: Changes of blood pressure and renal hemodynamics are mediated by beta 1-adrenergic effects of Etilefrin, whereas the electrolyte excretion is influenced by beta 2-adrenergic effects. Renin release seems to be influenced by beta 1 as well as beta 2-adrenergic receptors.