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

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Abstract
ORTHOSTATIC hypotension may occur in diverse clinical disorders.1 If the cause is unknown, the condition is called idiopathic orthostatic hypotension2 , 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 . . .