title: Disorders of blood pressure regulation-role of catecholamine biosynthesis, release, and metabolism.
abstract: Catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) are synthesised and produced by the adrenal medulla and postganglionic nerve fibres of the sympathetic nervous system. It is known that essential hypertension has a significant neurogenic component, with the rise in blood pressure mediated at least in part by overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Moreover, novel therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing sympathetic activity show promise in the treatment of hypertension. This article reviews recent advances within this rapidly changing field, particularly focusing on the role of genetic polymorphisms within key catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes, cofactors, and storage molecules. In addition, mechanisms linking the sympathetic nervous system and other adverse cardiovascular states (obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia) are discussed, along with speculation as to how recent scientific advances may lead to the emergence of novel antihypertensive treatments.
authors: Department of Endocrinology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow G11 6NT, UK.
authors: Gemma
authors: G
authors: Currie
authors: E Marie
authors: EM
authors: Freel
authors: Colin G
authors: CG
authors: Perry
authors: Anna F
authors: AF
authors: Dominiczak
mesh_terms: D000313:Adrenal Medulla / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002864:Chromogranins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003067:Coenzymes / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D055808:Drug Discovery; D056726:Genetic Association Studies; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D017779:Sympathetic Fibers, Postganglionic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D035703:Therapies, Investigational; D050051:Transient Receptor Potential Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002395:Catecholamines; D002864:Chromogranins; D003067:Coenzymes; D050051:Transient Receptor Potential Channels