[Circulatory reflexes in primary aldosteronism (author's transl)].

1. In 7 patients with hypertension, aldosteronism, and low plasma renin (6 patients with a solitary adrenal adenoma, 1 patient with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia) circulatory reflexes (Valsalva's maneuver, head-up tilt and cold pressure test) were examined. Furthermore, the reactivity to the pressor action of tyramine and norepinephrine was determined. For comparison 10 patients with essential hypertension were studied. 2. In 4 of the 7 patients with primary aldosteronism no overshoot following Valsalva's maneuver could be observed. Compared to the patients with essential hypertension the mean overshoot in the patients with primary aldosteronism was significantly reduced. The decrease in blood pressure during head-up tilt was significantly more pronounced in the patients with primary aldosteronism. However, both groups did not differ in their reaction to the cold pressure test. In the patients with primary aldosteronism responsiveness to tyramine was significantly reduced compared to the patients with essential hypertension. No significant difference was observed in the reactivity to norepinephrine between both groups studied. 3. The results point towards a disturbance of the sympathetic nervous system in patients with primary aldosteronism.