Idiopathic postural hypotension: physiologic observations and report of a new mode of therapy

Two patients with severe postural hypotension associated with upper motor neuron and cerebellar impairment (Shy-Drager syndrome) have been studied. Head-up tilt and lower body negative pressure application caused marked falls in arterial pressure; in one patient, paradoxical vasodilatation was observed. Ice application did not increase arterial pressure or calculated forearm vascular resistance. Intravenous atropine in one patient increased heart rate by 18 beats per min, a cardioacceleratory response similar to exhausting recumbent exercise in that patient. 24 hr urinary catecholamine excretion was low, but aldosterone secretory rate was normal in the more severely afflicted patient. A prolonged elevation of plasma renin activity was noted when post-tilt hypertension occurred. When head-up tilt was not followed by this hypertensive period, plasma renin activity response to tilting was normal. Intra-arterial norepinephrine and tyramine both elicited a vasoconstrictor response. Intra-arterial infusions of norepinephrine and tyramine were repeated after administration of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor tranylcypromine. Norepinephrine was potentiated 4.1- and 0.5-fold in the two patients; tyramine was potentiated 3.7-and 1.1-fold in the two patients, respectively. A therapeutic program of tranylcypromine and tyramine (in the form of cheddar cheese) resulted in substantial clinical improvement. It is concluded that in at least some patients with idiopathic postural hypotension, norepinephrine is present in postganglionic sympathetic fibers. A therapeutic program of tyramine and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor may be of value when more conventional modes of therapy fail.

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