Effects of beta-blockade

You will be presented with responses to a dose of isoprenaline (1 nmole/kg) and of adrenaline (10 nmole/kg). Tabulate the maximum changes in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and in pulse pressure and the resting levels of these parameters.

Before proceeding further in this exercise, in the same table, make a note of your predictions as to the sort of modification in resting heart rate and mean blood pressure and responses to the pressor agents which would be produced by propranolol.

You will then be presented with responses to a dose of propranolol (1000 nmole/kg); note the effects. You will then be shown further responses to isoprenaline (1 nmole/kg) and adrenaline (10 nmole/kg). Note the effects produced.

Tabulate the maximum changes in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and in pulse pressure for the remainder of the responses. Present the data in the form of a bar graph showing the size of the responses as a percentage of the initial responses before propranolol.