[Quantitative parameters of sympatho-neuronal and sympatho-adrenal activities in man. The influence of beta-receptor blocking agents (author's transl)].

Determination of both catecholamine concentrations (norepinephrine and epinephrine) and the activity of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in the plasma of health volunteers and hypertensive patients leads to the conclusion that these parameters used together can be considered an index for sympathetic neuronal activity. However, highly specific and sensitive radiometric methods are necessary for the measurement of these biochemical parameters. In healthy volunteers and hypertensive patients after acute and chronic administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents, e.g., propranolol, practolol or penbutolol, a significantly higher increase of catecholamine concentrations in the plasma has been observed during physical exercise. This pronounced increase in plasma catecholamine concentrations (mainly norepinephrine) is probably due to an enhanced compensatory sympathetic neuronal activity, accompanied by an increased peripheral resistance; this is obviously necessary in order to maintain a sufficient perfusion of peripheral tissues during work load under the influence of beta-adrenergic blocking agents, since an adequate cardiac output is prohibited by blockade of adrenergic beta-receptors. On the other hand, the pronounced increase in sympathetic tone after beta-blockade, especially after administration of high doses, could be responsible for certain reported side effects, such as hypertensive crisis in psychiatric patients or in patients with phaeochromocytoma.