Use of cumulative dose-response curves in potency comparisons of sympathomimetic amines on the cat soleus muscle.

The ability of beta-adrenoceptor agonists to reduce the fusion of incomplete tetanic contractions of the soleus muscle of the cat has been used previously as a model to assess the potential tremor producing effect of sympathomimetic bronchodilators. The ability of (-)-isoprenaline, (-)-adrenaline, (+/-)-soterenol and (+/-)-quinterenol to depress incomplete tetanic contractions of the soleus has now been assessed using cumulative administration of the amines. The method quickly produced accurate and reproducible dose-response curves. It is particularly useful for evaluating the potency of long-acting compounds.