INCREASED PLASMA DOPAMINE, NORADRENALINE, AND ADRENALINE CONCENTRATIONS IN YOUNG HYPERTENSIVE SUBJECTS

Abstract

Plasma dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline and renin-activity were measured In 39 subjects with stable mild hypertension (mean age 23.9 years, 34 males), and In 39 age-matched normotensive controls from the same open population. Mean sitting blood pressure In hypertensives was 142/82 mmHg. In normotensives average blood pressure was 125/74 mmHg. Plasma catecholamlnes were measured with a COMT radioenzymatic assay.

Plasma dopamine was significantly higher in hypertensives (72 ± SE 7 pg/ml) than in normotensives (46 ± SE 4 pg/ml; p<0.001). The same was true for noradrenaline (302 ± SE 23 pg/ml in hypertensives, and 157 ± SE 9 pg/ml In normotensives; p<0.001), and for adrenaline (91 ± SE 13 pg/ml in hypertensives and 38 ± SE 4 pg/ml in normotensives; p<0.001). There were no significant differences in pulse rate between hypertensives (71 beats/min) and normotensives (72 beats/min). Also, 24 hr urinary sodium and potassium excretion was not different between the groups.

In normotensives a positive relation between plasma noradrenaline and systolic blood pressure, and a negative one between plasma dopamine and systolic blood pressure was observed. In hypertensives no significant association between noradrenaline, dopamine and systolic blood pressure was found.

These findings provide evidence for the hypothesis that excessive sympathetic outflow plays a role in the early pathogenesis of hypertension. They also Indicate that dopaminergic activity may be Implicated in early hypertension.

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