Association Analyses of RFLPs for the α₂- and β₁-Adrenoceptor Genes in Essential Hypertension

Abstract

Adrenoceptor stimulation has an important role in normal cardiovascular regulation and a genetic defect could be a cause of essential hypertension (HT). The present study examined the relationship with HT of RFLPs for the α₂-adrenoceptor gene (ADRA2R) and β₁-adrenoceptor gene (ADRB1R), which share the same chromosomal locus (10q24-26). Subjects were HTs and normotensives (NTs) whose parents had a similar blood pressure status at age ≥50. The frequency of the minor allele of the DraI RFLP of ADRA2R was 0.17 in HTs (n=76) and 0.17 in NTs (n=87). For the BglI RFLP of ADRBIR, frequency of the minor allele was 0.10 in HTs (n=62) and 0.12 in NTs (n=88). x² analysis showed no difference between HT and NT groups. Thus the present study provides no basis for involvement of the α₂- or β₁- adrenoceptor genes in essential hypertension. (Hypertens Res 1992; 15: 57-60)