Effects of acebutolol on the renin-aldosterone system in essential arterial hypertension

Acebutolol, a new cardioselective beta-blocking agent, has been given for 5 days, at a daily dosage of 600 mg to 8 patients with mild essential hypertension. Plasma Renin Activity (PRA), Plasma aldosterone (PA), Aldosterone Metabolic Clearance Rate (AMCR), Aldosterone Secretion Rate (ASR) have been compared before and after treatment. Whatever is the daily sodium intake, acebutolol decreases PRA and does not change AMCR. Under a normal sodium diet, PA and ASR are unchanged, in spite of the fall in PRA. On the contrary, under a sodium free diet, the decrease in PRA is accompanied by a decrease in PA and ASR.