Activation of the sympathetic nervous system during sepsis is thought to be beneficial; however, excessive activation might cause damage. A new study to determine the effects of selective β1-adrenoceptor blockade on cardiac and renal function in sheep with hyperdynamic sepsis found that atenolol reduced heart rate and cardiac output, but not mean arterial pressure. The therapy did not alter the development of acute kidney injury or levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but resulted in increased levels of IL-10.