The role of presynaptic beta-receptors in Raynaud's disease

This report concerns the results of a study carried out to show the presence of presynaptic Beta adrenergic receptor supersensitivity in RD patients and the possibility to prevent or at least decrease this supersensitivity with Beta-blocker treatment. It is shown that the paradoxical vasoconstriction response to ISP infusion can be prevented in RD patients by the acute administration of Beta-blocker, such as Atenolol or DL Propranolol. Moreover, chronic treatment with the correct Beta-blocker was seen to prevent angiospastic crisis in these patients.