Association analyses of RFLPs for the α2- and β1-adrenoceptor genes in essential hypertension

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). χ2 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.