Effects of chronic stress on beta-adrenergic receptors in the homeless.
This study examined the role of chronic life stress (homelessness), coping style, and hypertension on beta-adrenergic receptors in a sample of homeless men. Sixteen healthy normotensive subjects and nine untreated hypertensive subjects were studied. Life stress was measured with the Brown and Harris categorization; coping style was measured with the Ways of Coping Scale. Lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptors were characterized in terms of receptor density (Bmax). Individuals with high life stress had lower Bmax (p < .005). In multiple regression analyses, 50% of the variance in Bmax was accounted for by life stress and coping style (p = .01). Receptor measures may be useful for characterizing the physiological response to continuing life adversity.
Dimsdale
J E
JE
University of California, San Diego 92093-0804.
Mills
P
P
Patterson
T
T
Ziegler
M
M
Dillon
E
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology*; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000097:blood; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000097:blood; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology; D011433:Propranolol / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000502:physiology*
D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D011433:Propranolol; D009638:Norepinephrine; D004837:Epinephrine