Effects of chronic stress on beta-adrenergic receptors in the homeless.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: J E Dimsdale, P Mills, T Patterson, M Ziegler, E Dillon
• Journal: Psychosomatic medicine (Psychosom Med) 1994 Jul-Aug Vol. 56 Issue 4 Pg. 290-5 ISSN: 0033-3174 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7972610 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Adrenergic, beta
• Propranolol
• Norepinephrine
• Epinephrine

Topics

• Adaptation, Psychological (physiology)
• Adult
• Arousal (physiology)
• Epinephrine (blood)
• Ill-Housed Persons (psychology)
• Humans
• Hypertension (physiopathology, psychology)
• Internal-External Control
• Life Change Events
• Male
• Norepinephrine (blood)
• Personality Inventory
• Problem Solving (physiology)
• Propranolol (pharmacokinetics)
• Psychophysiologic Disorders (physiopathology, psychology)
• Receptors, Adrenergic, beta (physiology)