Studies with beta-adrenoceptor antagonists in essential hypertension

The studies descnbed in this thesis were aimed to extend our understanding of the mode of action of β-adrenoceptor blocking agents in essential hypertension. For this purpose the literature, concerning the acute and chronic effects of 10 different β- adrenoceptor blocking agents, on haemodynamics, plasma catecholamines, and active renin, was extensively reviewed. (Chapter 2). In addition a number of orginal studies were performed. In these studies the acute and chronic effects of β-adrenoceptor antagonists with different ancillary properties on haemodynamic and hormonal parameters were investigated. The observation periods in the acute studies lasted for 24 hours. These observation periods gave us the opportunity to study in detail the sequence of haemodynamic and hormonal events that take place during the onset of the blood pressure lowering effect of β-adrenoceptor antagonists after starting treatment