Clinical significance of changes in beta-adrenoreceptors in peripheral lymphocytes in patients with essential hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship of beta-adrenoreceptor density and function with the condition of patients with essential hypertension.

METHODS

In the present study, 69 male patients with essential hypertension at different stages were compared with a group of age-matched normotensive controls. beta-adrenoreceptor maximum bound volume (Bmax) in peripheral lymphocytes was measured by 3H-dihydroalprenolol (3 H-DHA) radio ligand binding. beta-adrenoreceptor responsiveness was determined by Salbutamol (injection).

RESULTS

In patients with essential hypertension at stages I and II, Bmax was significantly higher (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) and the chronotropic doses of Salbutamol required to increase the heart rate by 30 beats/min (CD30) were significantly lower (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) than in age-matched normotensive control subjects. In patients with essential hypertension at stage III, Bmax was significantly lower and CD30 was significantly higher (both P < 0.01) than those in the age-matched normotensive control subjects. Bmax was significantly higher and CD30 was significantly lower (both P < 0.001) in patients with essential hypertension and with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) than that in patients with essential hypertension but without LVH. In patients with essential hypertension and heart failure, Bmax was significantly lower and CD30 was significantly higher (both P < 0.001) than those in patients with essential hypertension without heart failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The changes of beta-adrenoreceptor density and function were related to hypertension, hypertension complicated with ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure. They may be viewed as indexes of the condition in the patients with essential hypertension.