beta-Adrenoceptor-blocking agents and the kidney: effect of nadolol and propranolol on the renal circulation.

1 Nadolol was administered intravenously to five hypertensive patients and three healthy volunteers in balance on a 10 mEq sodium intake. 2 Nadolol (0.3-10.0 micrograms/kg) induced a significant, dose-related increase in renal blood flow, measured with radioxenon, with a maximum increase of 72 +/- 4 ml/100g/min (26%) at 3.0 micrograms/kg. 3 Heart rate and plasma renin activity decreased significantly over the same dose range. 4 The renal vascular response to nadolol contrasts sharply with those found with other beta-adrenoceptor-blocking agents. 5 The magnitude of the increase in renal blood flow, its time-course and the parallel fall in plasma renin activity raise the possibility that the renal vasodilation reflects the reversal of angiotensin's influence on the renal arterial bed.