Beta-adrenoreceptor mechanisms in essential tremor; a double-blind placebo controlled trial of metoprolol, sotalol and atenolol. Issue 8 (August 1983)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leigh, P N; Jefferson, D; Twomey, A; Marsden, C D
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 46:Issue 8(1983)
• Page Start: 710
• Page End: 715
• Publication Date: 1983-08
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.46.8.710
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : In order to elucidate the mode of action of beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists in essential tremor, the efficacy of chronic oral administration of metoprolol, atenolol and sotalol was compared in a randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial in twenty-four patients. Only sotalol proved superior to placebo on both subjective and "objective" assessments. Metoprolol and sotalol produced comparable degrees of beta-adrenoreceptor antagonism as judged by the blockade of standing tachycardia. Atenolol, in the dose used, produced a trend towards a greater cardiac chronotropic effect. These findings provide no support for the concept that central or peripheral beta 1-adrenoreceptor mechanisms are important in essential tremor. The beneficial effect of beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists may be mediated predominantly through peripheral beta 2-adrenoreceptor mechanisms.