Dictionary > Beta-blocker

Beta-blocker

Definition
noun, plural: beta-blockers
A drug that blocks the action of endogenous catecholamines on beta-adrenergic receptors in the nervous system, which mediates the fight or flight response, hence, is used for treatments of high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, and other heart conditions, as well as treatment of performance anxiety.
Supplement
Beta-blockers with ISA exert a low level stimulation at the andrenergic receptors while simultaneously blocking the endogenous catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine from binding to the receptor.
Synonym: beta-adrenergic blocking agents, beta-adrenergic antagonists, or beta antagonists.

See also: Intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, agonism.

You will also like...

Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Unique Geographical History

Explore why New Zealand has such unique flora and fauna, and learn why long periods of geographical isolation. This less..

Biological Viruses
Biological Viruses

Viruses possess both living and non-living characteristics. This unique feature distinguishes them from other organisms...

Darwin's Finches - Natural Selection
Darwin and Natural Selection

This tutorial investigates the genetic diversity in more detail. It also delineates how certain alleles are favored over..

Electromagnetic spectrum of a brain
Sleep and Dreams – Neurology

While learning and intelligence are associated with the functions of a conscious mind, sleep and dreams are activities o..

primitive arthropods
Arthropods

The arthropods were assumed to be the first taxon of species to possess jointed limbs and exoskeleton, exhibit more adva..

DNA molecule
Genetic Control – On and Off Genes

Genes are the blueprint of our bodies, a blueprint that creates a variety of proteins essential to any organism's surviv..