Nebivolol: an endothelium-friendly selective β1-adrenoceptor blocker

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2012 Jan;59(1):16-21. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0b013e3182073e27.

Abstract

Nebivolol is a highly selective β1-adrenoceptor blocker, which also stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase and scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS). These characteristics endow nebivolol, compared with conventional β-blockers, with a favorable hemodynamic profile for the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure, and possibly other cardiovascular diseases. Nebivolol is a racemic mixture of d- and l-isomers. Its β1-antagonistic properties reside primarily with d-nebivolol although both isomers are capable of increasing the release of NO from the endothelium after binding to β2- or β3-adrenergic receptors. The latter action results in vasodilatation and reduced vascular resistance. Nebivolol also scavenges ROS in a receptor-independent manner by direct interaction with free radicals. By scavenging ROS nebivolol not only reduces oxidant stress but also augments NO bioavailability. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase -stimulating and ROS scavenging effects of nebivolol act synergistically to provide cardiovascular protection in addition to its β1-antagonistic action.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Benzopyrans / administration & dosage
  • Benzopyrans / pharmacology
  • Benzopyrans / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / enzymology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Ethanolamines / administration & dosage
  • Ethanolamines / pharmacology
  • Ethanolamines / therapeutic use*
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Heart Failure / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Hypertension / metabolism
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nebivolol
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Vasodilation / drug effects

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists
  • Benzopyrans
  • Ethanolamines
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Nebivolol
  • Nitric Oxide