Radical scavenging and NO-releasing properties of selected β-adrenoreceptor antagonists

Abstract

It is claimed that novel β-adrenolytic drugs possess superior antioxidant properties as compared to classical selective or non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonists. Here we tested this notion by analyzing radical scavenging properties of selected β-adrenolytic drugs and their ability to release nitric oxide in biological preparations. Selective β₁-adrenolytics such as nebivolol, atenolol, metoprolol and non-selective β-adrenolytics with α1-receptor blocking properties such as carvedilol and labetalol were chosen for analysis. NO-releasing properties of nebivolol and carvedilol distinguished third generation β-adrenolytics from their older counterparts while the reactivity towards hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals discerns only carvedilol but not nebivolol. Thus, superior clinical efficacy of third generation β-adrenolytics may be related to their ability to release NO rather then to their direct antioxidant properties.

• Nebivolol
• carvedilol
• radical scavenging
• NO release

Notes

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