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Genetic influences on plasma catecholamines in human twins
P D Williams1, I B Puddey, L J Beilin
1University of Western Australia, Department of Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence plasma catecholamine levels, including epinephrine and norepinephrine. These findings suggest a potential link between genetic predisposition to catecholamine variation and the sympathetic nervous system
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Plasma catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) are crucial neurotransmitters and hormones.
- Understanding the heritability of catecholamine levels is important for studying conditions like hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relative genetic and environmental influences on plasma catecholamine levels.
- To explore associations between catecholamines and blood pressure in twin pairs.
Main Methods:
- Twin study design with 109 twin pairs.
- Analysis of plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels.
- Path analysis and maximum likelihood model fitting to determine genetic and environmental contributions.
Main Results:
- Substantial genetic influence was found for norepinephrine (57%), epinephrine (64-74%), and dopamine (72%) variability.
- Norepinephrine levels increased with age.
- Limited associations were observed between catecholamines and blood pressure, though norepinephrine correlated with diastolic BP in males.
Conclusions:
- Plasma catecholamine levels are significantly influenced by genetic factors.
- The genetic contribution to circulating catecholamines may play a role in the sympathetic nervous system's involvement in essential hypertension.