Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Action of d-propranolol in manic psychoses

  • Published:
Archiv für Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheiten Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Six manic patients were treated with high doses of d-propranolol or d- and dl-propranolol in a double-blind, placebo controlled study. The following variables were measured: propranolol dosage, propranolol serum concentration, pulse frequency, blood pressure, and psychotic behavior. In all cases an improvement was noticed. High dosages were necessary to obtain sufficient effect. The antimanic property of d-propranolol was approximately 50% smaller than the antimanic property of dl-propranolol. We conclude that at least some part of the antimanic action of beta-blockers is independent from the beta-blocking property.

Zusammenfassung

Im Rahmen einer doppelblind durchgeführten, placebokontrollierten Studie wurden sechs manische Patienten mit hohen Dosen doder d- und dl-Propranolol behandelt. Dabei wurden folgende Variablen gemessen: Propranolol-Dosis, Propranolol-Serumkonzentration, Pulsfrequenz, Blutdruck und Psychopathologie. In allen Fällen konnte eine klinische Besserung festgestellt werden, aber hohe Dosen waren erforderlich, um einen befriedigenden therapeutischen Effekt zu erreichen. Die antimanische Wirksamkeit von d-Propranolol erschien, verglichen mit der von dl-Propranolol, um etwa 50% geringer. Aus diesem Ergebnis kann geschlossen werden, daß wenigstens ein Teil der antimanischen Wirksamkeit von Beta-Blockern unabhängig ist von den beta-blockierenden Eigenschaften dieser Substanzen.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anden, N. E., Strömbom, U.: Adrenergic receptor blocking agents: effects on central noradrenaline and dopamine receptors and on motor activity. Psychopharmacologia 38, 91–103 (1974)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Atsmon, A.: Early observations of the effect of propranolol on psychiatric patients. In: Neuropsychiatric effects of adrenergic beta-receptor blocking agents, Carlsson, C., Engel, J., Hansson, L. (eds.), pp. 86–91. München-Berlin-Wien: Urban and Schwarzenberg 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Atsmon, A., Blum, J.: Treatment of acute porphyria variegata with propranolol. Lancet 1970 I, 196–197

  • Atsmon, A., Blum, J., Wijsenbeek, H., Maoz, B., Steiner, M., Ziegelman, G.: The short-term effect of adrenergic blocking agents in a small group of psychotic patients. Psychiatr. Neurol. Neurochir. 74, 251–258 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Atsmon, A., Blum, J., Steiner, M., Latz, A., Wijsenbeek, H.: Further studies with propranolol in psychotic patients. Psychopharmacologia 27, 249–254 (1972)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Auriol, B., Palandjian, N., Bord, N., Vals, A.: Les beta bloquants en psychiatrie. Nouv. Presse Med. 1, 1439–1452 (1972)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carlsson, C., Engel, J., Hansson, L. (eds.): Neuro-psychiatric effects of adrenergic beta-receptor blocking agents. München-Berlin-Wien: Urban and Schwarzenberg 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Delini-Stula, A., Meier, M.: Inhibitory effects of propranolol and oxprenolol on excitation induced by a mao inhibitor and reserpine in the mouse. Neuropharmacology 15, 383–388 (1976)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, F. A.: Propranolol for the control of belligerent behavior following acute brain damage. Ann. Neurol. 1, 489–491 (1977)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Emrich, H. M., Zerssen, D. v., Möller, H. J., Kissling, W., Cording, C., Schietsch, E., Riedel, J.: Action of propranolol in mania: comparison of effects of the d- and the l-stereoisomer. Pharmakopsychiat. Neuropsychopharmakol. 12, 295–304 (1979)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Engel, J., Liljequist, S.: Behavioural effects of β-receptor blocking agents in experimental animals. In: Neuro-psychiatric effects of adrenergic beta receptor blocking agents, Carlsson, C., Engel, J., Hansson, L. (eds.), pp. 45–53. München-Berlin-Wien: Urban and Schwarzenberg 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Floru, L.: Die Anwendung β-blockierender Substanzen in der Psychiatrie und Neurologie. Fortschr. Neurol. Psychiatr. 45, 112–127 (1977)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gardos, G., Cole, J. O., Volicer, L., Orzack, M., Oliff, A. C.: A dose-response study of propranolol in chronic schizophrenics. Curr. Ther. Res. Clin. Exp. 15, 314–323 (1973)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldman, H. W., Lehr, D., Friedman, E.: Antagonistic effects of alpha and beta adrenergically coded hypothalamic neurons on consummatory behaviour in the rat. Nature 231, 453–455 (1971)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greenblatt, D. J., Koch-Weser, J.: Adverse reactions to β-adrenergic receptor blocking drugs: a report from the Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program. Drugs 7, 118–129 (1974)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greenblatt, D. J., Shader, R. I.: On the psychopharmacology of beta-adrenergic blockade. Curr. Ther. Res. Clin. Exp. 14, 615–625 (1972)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grüter, W.: Psychoses and beta-blockers. In: Beta-Blockers and the central nervous system, Kiel-holz, P. (ed.), pp. 240–244. Bern-Stuttgart-Wien: Huber 1977

    Google Scholar 

  • Gruzelier, J. H., Yorkston, N. J.: Propranolol and schizophrenia: Objective evidence of efficacy. In: The biological basis of schizophrenia, M. G. Hemmings, W. A. Hemmings (eds.), pp. 127–149. Lancaster: MTP Press 1978

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Hanssen, T., Heyden, T., Sundberg, I., Wetterberg, I., Eneroth, P.: Decrease in serum-prolactin after propranolol in schizophrenia. Lancet 1978I, 101–102

  • Hinshelwood, R. D.: Hallucinations and propranolol. Br. Med. J. 1969II, 445

  • Honigfeld, G.: NOSIE-30: History and current Status of its use in pharmacopsychiatric research. In: Psychological measurements in psychopharmacology. Mod. Probl. Pharmacopsychiatry 7, 238–263 (1974)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Honigfeld, G., Klett, C. J.: The nurses' observation scale for inpatient evaluation. A new ward behavior rating scale. J. Clin. Psychol. 21, 65–71 (1965)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobi, P.: Untersuchungen zur Faktorenstruktur, Zuverlässigkeit und Gültigkeit einer deutschen Bearbeitung der IMPS nach Lorr. Med. Diss., Univ. Hamburg 1974

  • Jefferson, J. W.: Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking drugs in psychiatry. Arch. Gen. Psychiatry 31, 681–691 (1974)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Keller, M. F.: Nebenwirkungen, Kontraindikationen und antagonistische Maßnahmen bei der Anwendung von Beta-Rezeptoren-Blockern (BRB). Schweiz. Med. Rundschau 62, 987–991 (1973)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koella, W. P.: Anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological findings relevant to the central nervous effect of the beta-blockers. In: Beta-blockers and the central nervous system, Kiel-holz, P. (ed.), pp. 21–35. Bern-Stuttgart-Wien: Huber 1977

    Google Scholar 

  • Kral, P. A., Omer, V. V. St.: Beta-adrenergic receptor involvement in the mediation of learned taste aversions. Psychopharmacology 26, 79–83 (1972)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lefkowitz, R. J., Caron, M. C., Mukherjee, C., Mickey, J., Tate, R.: Beta-adrenergic receptors: direct identification and physiological regulation. In: Cell membrane receptors for viruses and antibodies, polypeptide hormones, and small molecules, Beers, R. F., Bassett, E. G. (eds.). New York: Raven Press 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Leibowitz, S. F.: Hypothalamic beta-adrenergic satiety system antagonizes an alpha-adrenergic hunger system in the rat. Nature 226, 963–964 (1970)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lorr, M., Klett, C. J., McNair, D. M., Lasky, J. J.: Inpatient multidimensional psychiatric scale. Manual. Palo Alto/Calif.: Psychological Press 1963

    Google Scholar 

  • Margules, D. L.: Beta-adrenergic receptors in the hypothalamus for learned and unlearned taste aversions. J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 73, 13–21 (1970)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Margules, D. L.: Alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors in amygdala: reciprocal inhibitors and facilitators of punished operant behaviour. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 16, 21–26 (1971)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Masuoka, D., Hansson, E.: Autoradiographic distribution studies of adrenergic blocking agents. II. 1-Propranolol, a beta-receptor-type blocker. Acta Pharmacol. Toxicol. (Kbh.) 25, 447–455 (1967)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Modestin, J.: Beta-Rezeptorenblocker in der Psychiatrie. Fortschr. Neurol. Psychiatr. 44, 579–596 (1976)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mombour, W.: Syndrome bei psychiatrischen Erkrankungen. Eine vergleichende Untersuchung mit Hilfe von zwei Schätzskalen für den psychopathologischen Befund (IMPS und AMP-Skala). Arch. Psychiatr. Nervenkr. 219, 331–350 (1974)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mombour, W., Gammel, G., Heyse, H., Zerssen, D. v.: Die Objektivierung psychiatrischer Syndrome durch multifaktorielle Analyse des psychopathologischen Befundes. Nervenarzt 44, 352–358 (1973)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Orzack, M. H., Branconnier, R., Gardos, G.: CNS effects of propranolol in man. Psychopharmacology 29, 299–306 (1973)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rackensperger, W., Gaupp, R., Mattke, D. J., Schwarz, D., Stutte, K. H.: Behandlung von akuten schizophrenen Psychosen mit Beta-Rezeptoren-Blockern. Arch. Psychiatr. Nervenkr. 219, 29–36 (1974)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rackensperger, W., Fritsch, W., Schwarz, D., Stutte, K. H., Zerssen, D. v.: Wirkung des Beta-Rezeptoren-Blockers Propranolol auf Manien. Arch. Psychiatr. Nervenkr. 222, 223–243 (1976)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reid, J. L., Lewis, P. J., Myers, M. G., Dollery, C. T.: Cardiovascular effects of intracerebroventricular d-, l-, and dl-propranolol in the conscious rabbit. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 188, 394–399 (1974)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Riedel, E., Emrich, H. M., Schröder, H. J.: Gaschromatographische Untersuchungen von Propranolol, ein Methodenvergleich. Arzneim. Forsch. (in press, 1979)

  • Roberts, E., Amacher, P. (eds.): Propranolol and schizophrenia. New York: Liss 1978

    Google Scholar 

  • Saelens, D. A., Walle, T., Privitera, P. J., Knapp, D. R., Gaffney, T.: Central nervous system effects and metabolic disposition of a glycol metabolite of propranolol. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 188, 86–92 (1974)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schildkraut, J. J.: The catecholamine hypothesis of affective disorders: a review of supporting evidence. Am. J. Psychiatry 122, 509–522 (1965)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schou, M.: Heutiger Stand der Rezidivprophylaxe bei endogenen affektiven Erkrankungen. Nervenarzt 45, 397–418 (1974)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schwarz, D.: Die Anwendung von Beta-Rezeptoren-Blockern in Neurologie und Psychiatrie. In: Kardiale Sympathikolyse als therapeutisches Prinzip, Lydtin, H., Meesmann, W. (Hrsg.). Stuttgart: Georg Thieme 1975

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwarz, D., Mertin, J.: Die Anwendung von Propranolol bei der akuten intermittierenden Porphyrie. Nervenarzt 44, 648–651 (1973)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Steiner, M., Blum, I., Wijsenbeek, H., Atsmon, A.: Results of the treatment of psychoses with propranolol. Kupat-Holim Yearb. 2 (1972)

  • Steiner, M., Latz, A., Blum, J., Atsmon, A., Wijsenbeek, H.: Propranolol versus chlorpromazine in the treatment of psychoses associated with childbearing. Psychiatr. Neurol. Neurochir. 76, 421–426 (1973)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stephen, S. A.: Unwanted effects of propranolol. Am. J. Cardiol. 18, 463–472 (1966)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vassout, A., Delini-Stula, A.: Effects de β-bloqueurs (Propranolol et Oxprenolol) et du Diazépam sur différents modèles d'agressivité chez le rat. J. Pharmacol. (Paris) 8, 1, 5–14 (1977)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Volk, W., Bier, W., Braun, J. P., Grüter, W., Spiegelberg, U.: Behandlung von erregten Psychosen mit einem Beta-Rezeptoren-Blocker (Oxprenolol) in hoher Dosierung. Nervenarzt 43, 491–492 (1972)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Volk, W., Bier, W., Braun, J. P., Spiegelberg, U.: Klinische Beobachtungen bei hochdosierter Behandlung endogener Psychosen mit einem Beta-Rezeptorenblocker. In: Kardiale Sympathikolyse als therapeutisches Prinzip, Lydtin, H., Meesmann, W. (Hrsg.). Stuttgart: Georg Thieme 1975

    Google Scholar 

  • Voltolina, E. J., Thompson, S. I., Tisue, J.: Acute organic brain syndrome with propranolol. Clin. Toxicol. 4, 357–361 (1971)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yorkston, N. J., Zaki, S. A., Malik, M. K., Morrison, R. C., Havard, C. W. H.: Propranolol in the control of schizophrenic symptoms. Br. Med. J. 1974IV, 633–635

  • Yorkston, N. J., Zaki, S. A., Themen, J. F. A., Havard, C. W. H.: Propranolol to control schizophrenic symptoms: 55 patients. In: Neuropsychiatric effects of adrenergic beta-receptor blocking agents, Carlsson, C., Engel, J., Hansson, L. (eds.), pp. 91–105. München-Berlin-Wien: Urban and Schwarzenberg 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Yorkston, N. J., Gruzelier, J. H., Zaki, S. A., Hollander, D., Pitcher, D. R., Sergeant, H. G. S.: Propranolol as an adjunct to the treatment of schizophrenia. Lancet 1977II, 575–578

  • Yorkston, N. J., Zaki, S. A., Havard, C. W. H.: Propranolol in the treatment of schizophrenia: an uncontrolled study with 55 adults. In: Propranolol in schizophrenia, Roberts, E., Amacher, P. (eds.). New York: Liss 1978

    Google Scholar 

  • Zacharias, F. J., Cowen, K. J., Prestt, J., Vickers, J., Wall, B. G.: Propranolol in hypertension: a study of long-term therapy, 1964–1970. Am. Heart J. 83, 755–761 (1972)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zerssen, D. v.: Beta-adrenergic blocking agents in the treatment of psychoses. A report on 17 cases. In: Neuro-psychiatric effects of adrenergic beta-receptor blocking agents, Carlsson, C., Engel, J., Hansson, L. (eds.), pp. 105–115. München-Berlin-Wien: Urban and Schwarzenberg 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Zerssen, D. v., Cording, C.: The measurement of change in endogenous affective disorders. Arch. Psychiatr. Nervenkr. 226, 95–112 (1978)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max-Planck-Institut für Psychiatrie, Kraepelin-strasse 10, D-8000, München 40, Federal Republic of Germany

    H. -J. Möller, D. v. Zerssen, H. M. Emrich, W. Kissling, C. Cording & H. J. Schietsch

  2. Institut für Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany

    E. Riedel

Authors
  1. H. -J. Möller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. D. v. Zerssen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. H. M. Emrich
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. W. Kissling
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. C. Cording
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. H. J. Schietsch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. E. Riedel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Supported by the Fritz-Thyssen-Foundation, Cologne

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Möller, H.J., Zerssen, D.v., Emrich, H.M. et al. Action of d-propranolol in manic psychoses. Arch. Psychiat. Nervenkr. 227, 301–317 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00344815

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00344815

Key words

Schlüsselwörter

Search

Navigation