Increased Numbers of Beta Receptors in Orthostatic Hypotension Due to Autonomic Dysfunction

Abstract

ORTHOSTATIC hypotension may occur in diverse clinical disorders.¹ If the cause is unknown, the condition is called idiopathic orthostatic hypotension^{2 , 3}; if there is concomitant Central-nervous-system involvement, it is called the Shy-Drager syndrome.⁴ We investigated sympathetic-nervous-system function in a patient with severe orthostatic hypotension that probably occurred as a complication of disseminated breast cancer. We found increased alpha and beta-adrenoreceptor responsiveness, decreased plasma catecholamines, and increased beta-adrenoreceptor density in the patient's lymphocytes. We evaluated a number of therapeutic approaches and evolved a regimen that allowed the patient to resume an acceptable degree of mobility.Case ReportThe patient was a . . .