Abstract

Propranolol is a local anaesthetic, membrane-stabilizing drug as well as a beta blocker. 2 mug/ml is added to many PG bioassay systems in order to inhibit beta adrenergic effects. This concentration inhibited responses of the rat stomach strip to PGE2 concentrations below 5 x 10(-7)M but potentiated responses to higher PGE2 concentrations. In calcium-free buffer only the potentiation was seen. Propranolol may not be a suitable drug for use in PG bioassay systems.