Modulating the adrenergic system may be a new approach to the treatment of sepsis [131] . In rats with peritonitis, b1-blockade decreased proinflammatory cytokines and improved cardiac function and haemodynamics [129] . However, so far, no study has evaluated the haemodynamic tolerance of esmolol-a selective ultrashort-acting b1-blocker-in large animals with endotoxemic shock. Therefore, Aboab et al. [132] observed that selective b1-blockade was well tolerated in endotoxemic pigs treated with a continuous infusion of esmolol, and prevented sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction, confirming findings reported in small animals.