Abstract
High catecholamine levels can inhibit respiratory drive. Infants with idiopathic apnea of infancy (AOI) have elevated circulating catecholamine levels. Therefore we hypothesize that infants with AOI may have decreased adreno-receptor binding capacity, different receptor affinity or different receptor function. We studied 10 infants with AOI (mean age 8+3 months, x ±SE) and 10 healthy controls (mean age 10±3 months: NS) in order to measure: (a) circulating catecholamine levels, (b) maximal binding capacities, (Bmax) for β receptor on lymphocyte (BS/L) and for α receptor on platelets (BS/P), (c) adreno-receptor affinity to specific antagonist 125ICYP (KD), and (d) Agonist-induced formation of CAMP: isoproterenol stimulated to basal CAMP concentration (I/B).
We conclude that infants with AOI have decreased lymphocytic beta-adrenergic binding capacity, lower KD and therefore increased affinity. There was no difference in agonist induced formation of CAMP. We speculate that decreased adreno-receptor binding capacity and increased affinity may play a role in the etiology of AOI.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bader, D., Buckley, S., Keens, T. et al. DECREASED LYMPHOCYTIC BETA ADRENORECEPTOR BINDING CAPACITY IN APNEA OF INFANCY. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 209 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00256
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00256