Role of angiotensin type 1A receptors in the sympathetic activation of angiotensin-dependent hypertension

Abstract

head-up tilt test, referred for immune evaluation to the AllergyImmunology clinic at our institution (2007–2014). Their clinical history and immune laboratory studies (e.g. immunoglobulin levels, specific antibody responses, ANA, anti-SSA/SSO, dysautonomia autoimmune profile, serum cytokines) were reviewed. Results: Twenty patients (3 males, 17 females), mean age of 19.9 years (15–34), were evaluated. Symptoms suggestive of immune dysfunction included arthralgia (7), joint swelling (3), backache (2), dermatitis (5), alopecia (2), sicca (4), Raynaud’s (1), and recurrent infections (5). Five patients (25%) had autoantibodies (i.e. anti-SSA, ANA, anti-GAD65, folate receptor autoantibodies), and 9 of 14 patients (64%), had elevated serum cytokines. Severe dysautonomia was present in one patient with IDDM and 4 patients with B-cell immunodeficiency, all of which had other coexisting autoimmune problems. Conclusions: Young patients with dysautonomia may suffer from immune dysregulation and the severity of their disease is associated with severe dysautonomia. It remains to be determined if this immune dysregulation is a primary or secondary process.