Potential Use of β3‐Adrenoceptor Antagonists in Heart Failure Therapy

Recently, a functional, negatively inotropic, β₃‐adrenoceptor was characterized in the human heart. Several studies now suggest that this receptor might play an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure, by counterbalancing the effects of a β₁ and β₂‐stimulation. Therefore, this review summarizes the rationale and effects of β‐adrenergic blockade in chronic heart failure and specifically addresses the question of the potential use of β₃‐adrenoceptor antagonists in the treatment of heart failure and other pathophysiological conditions associated with a decreased cardiac contractility.