The beta(1)-selective Adrenoceptor Agonist Dobutamine'': A Fallacy Being Perpetuated
Dobutamine is a cardiotonic agent, developed as a racemate more than 30 years ago. The compound soon got the label "the beta 1-selective adrenoceptor agonist''. However, a closer examination of the enantiomers showed that (+)-dobutamine is predominantly a beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist with modest selectivity whereas (-)-dobutamine is predominantly an alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist. Neve