The promise of adrenergic receptor studies in psychophysiologic research II: Applications, limitations, and progress

For years research in fields such as biologic psychiatry and hypertension has benefited from the use of receptor measures. It is only recently however, that investigators in the field of psychosomatic medicine have taken advantage of this methodology. Much of this research revolves around discerning the roles that adrenergic receptors play in stressful events and stress-related behaviors. Thus far, psychosomatic studies have focused primarily on three areas: 1) The effects of psychosocial stressors on adrenergic receptor function, 2) the relationship between adrenergic receptors and cardiovascular responses to stressors, and 3) the relationship between adrenergic receptor measures and coronary-prone behaviors. Although several important methodological issues need to be addressed, current studies are helping to decipher longstanding questions regarding the complex processes underlying behavior, stress, immunity, and the sympathetic nervous system. This paper reviews the progress and limitations of this research blossoming field.