Echocardiographic comparison between prenalterol and dobutamine.

Prenalterol, a new cardioselective β1–adrenoceptor agonist, was compared with the β–stimulator dobutamine by computer–assisted echocardiography. Prenalterol decreased preload, increased heart rate and induced an increase in contractility for a longer time in comparison with dobutamine. The small influence on blood pressure and after load indicates selective β1–receptor–effect by a result of slight changes in the peripheral vascular resistance.