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

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 Report The patient was a . . .