Nebivolol: A Third-Generation β-Blocker That Augments Vascular Nitric Oxide Release

Abstract

In vivo metabolized nebivolol increases vascular NO production. This phenomenon involves endothelial beta(2)-adrenergic receptor ligation, with a subsequent rise in endothelial free [Ca(2+)](i) and endothelial NO synthase-dependent NO production. This may be an important mechanism underlying the nebivolol-induced, NO-mediated arterial dilation in humans.