Alpha and beta adrenoceptor blocking properties of labetalol and its R,R-isomer, SCH 19927.

Labetalol is a mixture of four isomers. Its alpha and beta adrenergic blocking properties were compared to those of the R,R-isomer, SCH 19927. In anesthetized dogs, i.v. administration of both compounds produced competitive beta and alpha blockade as judged by inhibition of the tachycardia and vasopressor responses to i.v. injections of isoproterenol and phenylpherine, respectively. SCH 19927 was 3 to 4 times as potent as beta blocker, but only one-third as potent an alpha blocker as labetalol. Therefore, the separation of beta and alpha blocking activity of SCH 19927 clearly exceeded that of labetalol. SCH 19927 also demonstrated greater beta blocking potency than labetalol after oral administration to conscious dogs or rats that were subsequently pithed. SCH 19927 did not affect, whereas labetalol slightly reduced, pressor responses to sympathetic stimulation in the pithed rat. Both drugs were relatively devoid of intrinsic beta-1 sympathomimetic activity in the ganglion-blocked dog. It is concluded that SCH 19927 is a more potent beta adrenoceptor blocker and less potent alpha blocker than labetalol. The separation of adrenergic blocker activities indicates that steric requirements for alpha and beta blockade differ in the labetalol molecule.