Effect of Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blockade on Racing Performance of Greyhounds with Normal and with Denervated Hearts

Abstract

A field study was made of the effect of β-adrenergic receptor blockade (propranolol; Kö 592) on the racing performance of six normal greyhounds and three with chronic extrinsic cardiac denervation. Records were made of the time to race a 5/16-mile course before and after blockade; the heart rate was recorded by telemetry. After the administration of the β-adrenergic receptor-blocking agent to the normal greyhound, racing time was slightly increased, and maximal heart rate was slighdy decreased. After blockade in the cardiac denervated greyhounds, racing time was prolonged, cardiac acceleration was severely limited, and the animals finished running in a state of collapse. The data indicated diat die cardiostimulant action of both sympathetic nerves and circulating catecholamines was necessary for maximal performance. After blockade of one or the other of these mechanisms, racing performance was slightly reduced from normal. Withdrawal of both adjuvants severely limited the performance of maximal exercise.