Effects of beta-adrenergic blockade on serum parathyroid hormone in normal subjects and patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Recent experimental studies suggest that the autonomous nervous system can effect the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and that these effects could be of physiological importance. The short-term effects of propranolol were investigated in 13 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and 6 normal subjects. During a 2-hour infusion there were no changes in serum PTH or calcium concentrations in any of the individuals studied. During long-term treatment of HPT patients with beta-blocking agents for 2-6 months no reduction or raised PTH levels was detected and the hypercalcaemia was unaffected. These findings question the importance of the adrenergic system for the normal regulation of serum PTH levels and its role for hormone hypersecretion in primary HPT. Our experience does not support the use of propranolol as an alternative to surgery in patients with primary HPT.