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Serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in acute stroke.
Stroke
|March 1, 1979
Summary
Serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity rises sharply after stroke onset, then declines. This suggests rapid DBH release from sympathetic nerve endings, offering insights into cerebrovascular disease mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke, involve complex physiological responses.
- Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) is an enzyme critical for catecholamine synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity dynamics in patients with acute cerebrovascular disease.
- To explore the potential source of DBH release following stroke.
Main Methods:
- Serum DBH activity was measured in 34 patients with acute cerebrovascular disease.
- DBH activity was compared between arterial and cerebral venous blood in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- Serum DBH activity peaked early after stroke onset and subsequently decreased.
- No correlation was found between DBH activity and total serum protein or blood pressure.
- Cerebral venous blood showed higher DBH activity than arterial blood in most patients.
Conclusions:
- Acute stroke triggers a rapid release of DBH into the bloodstream.
- Sympathetic nerve endings, potentially within the brain and associated vessels, are likely sources of this released DBH.
- DBH activity kinetics may serve as a biomarker in cerebrovascular events.