Cimaterol

A beta-adrenergic agonist used in veterinary medicine

Cimaterol

Chemical structure of Cimaterol

Cimaterol is a beta-adrenergic agonist that is primarily used in veterinary medicine to promote muscle growth and improve feed efficiency in livestock. It is a member of the phenethanolamine class of compounds and functions by stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors in the body.

Mechanism of Action

Cimaterol acts on the beta-2 adrenergic receptors found in muscle tissue. By binding to these receptors, cimaterol activates the adenylate cyclase pathway, leading to an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. This cascade results in enhanced protein synthesis and reduced protein degradation, promoting muscle hypertrophy.

Uses in Veterinary Medicine

Cimaterol is used to enhance the growth rate and feed conversion efficiency in cattle, sheep, and other livestock. It is particularly valued for its ability to increase lean muscle mass while reducing fat deposition. This makes it a useful agent in the production of meat with a higher lean-to-fat ratio.

Safety and Regulation

The use of cimaterol in food-producing animals is subject to strict regulatory control in many countries. Concerns about residues in meat products and potential adverse effects on human health have led to its regulation. In some regions, the use of cimaterol is prohibited, while in others, it is allowed under specific conditions.

Potential Side Effects

In animals, cimaterol can cause tachycardia, tremors, and other cardiovascular effects due to its action on beta-adrenergic receptors. Long-term use may lead to receptor desensitization and reduced effectiveness.

Research and Development

Research into cimaterol and other beta-adrenergic agonists continues, with studies focusing on optimizing their use in agriculture and understanding their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Related pages

• Beta-adrenergic agonist
• Veterinary medicine
• Muscle hypertrophy
• Feed efficiency