Related Experiment Videos
Plasma catecholamines during behavioral treatments for Raynaud's disease
R R Freedman1, D Keegan, P Migály
1Lafayette Clinic, Detroit, MI 48207.
Psychosomatic Medicine
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Behavioral treatments like finger temperature feedback did not alter sympathetic activity in Raynaud's disease patients. This study found no significant changes in epinephrine or norepinephrine levels during these interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychophysiology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Raynaud's disease involves vasospastic attacks, previously shown to be mediated by non-neural mechanisms.
- Behavioral interventions like biofeedback and autogenic training are explored for managing Raynaud's disease symptoms.
- The role of sympathetic nervous system activity in the efficacy of these behavioral treatments remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of sympathetic activity, measured by plasma catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), during behavioral interventions for Raynaud's disease.
- To compare the effects of finger temperature feedback and autogenic training on sympathetic activation in patients with idiopathic Raynaud's disease.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one female patients with idiopathic Raynaud's disease were randomized to either finger temperature feedback or autogenic training for 28 days.
- Plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine were measured to assess sympathetic activity.
- The influence of menstrual cycle phase (follicular vs. luteal) on training outcomes and catecholamine levels was examined.
Main Results:
- Finger temperature feedback led to significant temperature elevations, while autogenic training did not.
- Neither training group showed significant changes in plasma norepinephrine or epinephrine levels.
- Menstrual cycle phase did not significantly interact with training effects or catecholamine responses.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support the hypothesis that decreased sympathetic activation underlies the effectiveness of behavioral treatments for Raynaud's disease.
- Behavioral interventions may influence Raynaud's disease symptoms through mechanisms other than modulation of sympathetic nervous system activity as measured by circulating catecholamines.