Research published in Experimental Physiology shows that diabetes-induced changes in heartbeat are primarily regulated by the ß1-adrenoceptor.
This discovery, once confirmed in humans, may lead to better treatment of heart problems in diabetics by enabling more targeted drugs to be produced.
Patients with type 2 diabetes can have problems with the regulation of their heartbeat. The heartbeat is partly regulated by receptors called beta-adrenoceptors.
There are two different forms, the ß1 and ß2, and each has a different function. The study found that the diabetes-induced changes in heartbeat are predominantly regulated by the ß1-adrenoceptor and not the ß2-adrenoceptor.
This study provides novel insight into the pathological basis of heart rate dysregulation in type 2 diabetes.
Beta-blockers block hormones like adrenaline and can be used to decrease heart rate and blood pressure in the treatment of conditions such as angina or high blood pressure.
Some beta-blockers are not effective in reducing the heartbeat of diabetics and can even worsen the blood glucose levels of patients.
It is not known which beta-adrenoceptor type is responsible for these effects. This study suggests that beta-blockers targeting the ß1-adrenoceptor would be more effective for diabetics.
The researchers implanted two devices into a rat model of diabetes. The first device measured blood pressure and heartbeat, and the second device injected drugs that reduce heartbeat by targeting the beta-adrenoceptors.
This approach allowed the researchers to distinguish between the contributions of the two different beta-adrenoceptors (ß1 and ß2).
Regis Lamberts, corresponding author, said: “This study provides novel insight into the pathological basis of heart rate dysregulation in type 2 diabetes. This could help us develop drugs to better address heart problems in diabetics.”