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Lymphocyte beta-adrenoceptors in social phobia
M B Stein1, L L Huzel, S M Delaney
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Biological Psychiatry
|July 1, 1993
Summary
This study found no differences in beta-adrenergic receptor kinetics between patients with social phobia and healthy controls. These findings suggest that receptor number or affinity may not explain social phobia pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Social phobia is a common anxiety disorder.
- Beta-adrenergic receptors play a role in the body's stress response.
- Previous research has suggested altered beta-adrenergic receptor function in other psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate beta-adrenergic receptor kinetics in patients with generalized social phobia.
- To compare receptor binding in leukocytes of social phobic patients and healthy controls.
- To explore the relationship between symptom severity and receptor parameters.
Main Methods:
- Measured beta-adrenergic receptor kinetics using [125I]pindolol binding in leukocytes.
- Recruited 17 drug-free patients with generalized social phobia and 17 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.
- Assessed symptom severity and beta-adrenergic activation symptoms.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in Bmax (receptor number) or Kd (receptor affinity) were found between social phobic patients and controls.
- Symptom severity and physical symptoms of beta-adrenergic activation did not correlate with receptor parameters.
- Findings contrast with some studies in panic disorder and depression.
Conclusions:
- A simple defect in beta-adrenoceptor number or affinity is unlikely to underlie generalized social phobia.
- Peripheral beta-adrenergic receptor kinetics may not be a reliable indicator of central processes in social phobia.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms of social phobia.