Serum Dopamine—Beta—Hydroxylase During Development of Immobilization—Induced Hypertension

Serum dopamine—beta—hydroxylase (DBH) activity, which appears to reflect peripheral sympathetic nerve function, was measured in rats subjected to immobilization for two hours daily over a period of four weeks. Both serum DBH and blood pressure levels increased significantly after 2 weeks of repeated immobilization. The difference in blood pressure levels between control and experimental animals remained the same under anesthesia. After 4 weeks of immobilization, there was a further increase in both serum DBH and blood pressure levels. Upon cessation of immobilization intervals, serum DBH returned to normal within five days but blood pressure remained elevated for 2 additional weeks before returning to normal. (Endocrinology92: 953, 1973)