title: Nocturnal blood pressure dipping and beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Blunted nocturnal blood pressure (BP) dipping has been observed in patients with various cardiovascular pathophysiology. However, the mechanisms underlying relationships between blunted dipping and pathophysiologic end points remain unclear. This study examined relationships between beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity and nocturnal BP dipping.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ambulatory BP monitoring took place in each patient's home. On a separate occasion, beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity was determined by response to isoproterenol infusion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants with less sensitive beta-adrenergic receptors had less nocturnal BP dipping across BP measures (all P < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity may contribute to relationships between blunted nocturnal BP dipping and various cardiovascular end points.
authors: San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California, 92093-0804, USA.
authors: Judi
authors: J
authors: Profant
authors: Paul J
authors: PJ
authors: Mills
authors: Joel E
authors: JE
authors: Dimsdale
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D018660:Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta