The structured interview elicits a differential prostacyclin response in A and B behaviour types.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether individuals exhibiting the type A behaviour pattern have a different extent of prostacyclin or thromboxane production after relaxation or after a structured interview compared to individuals exhibiting the type B behaviour pattern.


METHODS
Subjects were randomized to receive prospectively either a relaxation session or a mildly stressful interview first. Each then received the alternate treatment second.


METHODS
Students attending an introductory psychology course at the University of Manitoba received a relaxation session (20 mins lying down listening to a tape) and an interview session (the structured interview of Rosenman).


METHODS
Type A/B behaviour pattern was rated using the structured interview of Rosenman. Production of 6-keto prostaglandin F1-alpha and thromboxane B2, metabolites of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2, respectively, were measured in response to a standardized vascular injury-bleeding time.


RESULTS
No significant differences were observed in the length of bleeding time, in bleeding time thromboxane production or in prostacyclin production after relaxation between individuals exhibiting type A and B behaviour patterns. Prostacyclin production after the interview was lower in type A individuals (3.29 +/- 0.29 pg/min) than in individuals exhibiting type B behaviour (4.76 +/- 0.63 pg/min) (P = 0.04). No significant post interview differences in bleeding time or in thromboxane production were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
After relaxation, type A and B subjects are similar in their prostacyclin and thromboxane responses to vascular injury. However, type A individuals show a less favorable prostacyclin response than type B when confronted with the structured interview; type A individuals responded in an aggressive or hostile fashion, while the type B individuals exhibited a more relaxed response.
Gerrard
J M
JM
Department of Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.
Dion
P R
PR
Dyck
D G
DG
D015121:6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D001760:Bleeding Time; D001794:Blood Pressure; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010556:Personality Tests; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013929:Thromboxane B2 / Q000097:blood; D014434:Type A Personality
D013929:Thromboxane B2; D015121:6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha