Various beta-adrenergic agonists were found to inhibit rates of protein degradation and net protein breakdown in isolated chick extensor digitorum communis (EDC) and atrial muscles. Rates of protein synthesis were not altered by these compounds. The beta-agonist cimaterol inhibited rates of protein degradation in EDC muscles incubated with or without amino acids and insulin. Cimaterol also inhibited the increased proteolysis induced by injury to muscle or by incubating muscles at body temperature (42 degrees C) versus 37 degrees C. Thus, beta-agonists may help promote skeletal muscle accretion in vivo even under conditions of severe negative nitrogen balance by slowing muscle proteolysis.