The evaluation of plasma dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity in essential and secondary hypertension.

The relation of plasma dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity to age was examined in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. Plasma DBH activity was the highest in the group of 25--34 years and gradually decreased with age. Plasma DBH activity was higher in the hypertensives than in the normotensives in all age groups, and the difference was significant between the groups of 45--54 and 55--64 years. Plasma DBH activity was increased in labile hypertension. Plasma DBH activity was higher in the group of essential hypertension with normal renal function than in that with reduced renal function. It was lower in the severe hypertensives than in the mild cases. Plasma DBH activity was also decreased in the hypertensive patients with cerebrovascular disorders. Plasma DBH activity was lower in the hypertensive patients with renal parenchymal diseases than those of essential hypertension with normal renal function. Plasma DBH activity was also decreased in primary aldosteronism, while it was increased in pheochromocytoma. These observations suggest that measurement of plasma DBH activity may be valuable in the differentiation of essential hypertension from the secondary forms of hypertension, and the evaluation of the hypertensive processes. To evaluate plasma DBH activity, it is important to consider its age-related changes.