Beta-adrenoceptor blocking properties and cardioselectivity of M & B 17,803A.

1. The beta-adrenoceptor blocking properties of (+/-)-1-(2-acetyl-4-n-butyramidophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-3-isopropylaminopropane hydrochloride (M&B 17,803A) have been compared with those of practolol and propranolol in the guinea-pig, cat and dog.2. Following either intravenous or oral administration in the cat or dog, M&B 17,803A and practolol had similar potency in antagonizing isoprenaline-induced tachycardia and both showed cardioselectivity, but both were less potent than propranolol.3. M&B 17,803A and practolol had approximately one hundredth the intravenous potency of propranolol in increasing the severity of anaphylactic bronchospasm in the conscious sensitized guinea-pig.4. M&B 17,803A possessed less marked intrinsic sympathomimetic activity than practolol but, like propranolol, it had significant local anaesthetic properties and increased the refractory period of rabbit isolated atria.