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Peripheral adrenergic receptors in hypertension
M C Michel1, O E Brodde, P A Insel
1Department of Medicine, University of Essen, FRG.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Hypertension involves increased sympathoadrenal activity, potentially linked to altered adrenergic receptors. Research reviews adrenergic receptor changes in cardiovascular tissues and blood cells in hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is often associated with increased sympathoadrenal activity.
- Adrenergic receptor alterations in number or responsiveness may contribute to this heightened activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing data on adrenergic receptor alterations in hypertension.
- To focus on key cardiovascular tissues (heart, vascular smooth muscle, kidney) and accessible human tissues (lymphocytes, platelets).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating adrenergic receptors in hypertension.
- Analysis of data concerning alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor alterations.
Main Results:
- Alpha-adrenergic receptor numbers in hypertension are influenced by catecholamines, salt intake, and genetics.
- Increased renal alpha-adrenergic receptors may play a role in essential hypertension.
- Beta-adrenergic receptor alterations are not specific to genetic hypertension; desensitization of function is observed, suggesting disturbed signal transduction.
Conclusions:
- Adrenergic receptor dysregulation is implicated in hypertension.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of heterologous desensitization in hypertensive states.