Mood states, sympathetic activity, and in vivo β-adrenergic receptor function in a normal population

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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between mood states and β‐adrenergic receptor function in a normal population. We also examined if sympathetic nervous system activity is related to mood states or β‐adrenergic receptor function. Sixty‐two participants aged 25–50 years were enrolled in this study. Mood states were assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). β‐adrenergic receptor function was determined using the chronotropic 25 dose isoproterenol infusion test. Level of sympathetic nervous system activity was estimated from 24‐hr urine norepinephrine excretion. Higher tension‐anxiety, depression‐dejection, and anger‐hostility were related to decreased β‐adrenergic receptor sensitivity (i.e., higher chronotropic 25 dose values), but tension‐anxiety was the only remaining independent predictor of β‐adrenergic receptor function after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). Urinary norepinephrine excretion was unrelated to either mood states or β‐adrenergic receptor function. These findings replicate previous reports that anxiety is related to decreased (i.e., desensitized) β‐adrenergic receptor sensitivity, even after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and body mass index. Depression and Anxiety 0:1–6, 2007.