Zilpaterol hydrochloride

Synthetic β2-adrenoreceptor agonist that binds with the muscle β-adrenoreceptors, leading to the activation of protein kinase A, an enzyme responsible for changes in protein synthesis and degradation, in particular in skeletal muscles. Due to its partial activity towards β1-adrenoreceptors, has also the potential to affect cardiac muscle. In consequence, application of zilpaterol leads to preferential induction of fast glycolytic fibre types over slow oxidative fibre types resulting in enhanced growth efficiency and carcass leanness. Used as a veterinary drug in cattle to enhance growth performance in several countries.