[Changes in lymphocyte beta-receptor density in patients with heart failure before and after metoprolol or captopril administration].

Human lymphocyte beta-receptor density in heart diseases with various degrees of heart function of 41 cases was determined. beta-receptor density and ejection fraction in congestive heart failure (CHF) before and after conventional therapy with small dose of beta-blocker (metoprolol) or captopril were compared. The aim was to clarify the action and safety of beta-blocker in the treatment of CHF. The results revealed that there was no statistical difference between beta-receptor density in CHF with cardiac function of degree I and II (516.57 +/- 85.93 fmol/10(7) cells, mean +/- s) and in normal controls (576.56 +/- 97.18 fmol/10(7) cells, P > 0.05), while beta-receptor density in CHF of degree III and IV was much lower than that in normal controls (decreased by 50%). There was no statistical difference of beta-receptor density between rheumatic heart disease and cardiomyopathy. Metoprolol up-regulated beta-receptor density from 302.40 +/- 100.91 to 459.60 +/- 174.34 fmol/10(7) cells (P < 0.05), but no change was observed after treatment by captopril. Ejection fraction was increased in both groups (P < 0.01). The results revealed that beta-receptor density was decreased in certain kinds of CHF but no relationship was observed between CHF of different etiology. beta-receptor density was up-regulated by beta-blocker, thus it indicates that it is rational to use beta-blocker for the treatment of certain kinds of CHF. And the use of small dose of beta-blocker with conventional therapy of heart failure might reduce the negative inotropic action of the former.