Relationships Between Alterations in Amine Metabolism and Blood Pressure

The principal processes of synthesis and metabolism for aromatic amines have been discussed in terms of their status in essential hypertension and in relation to alterations induced by enzyme inhibitors with hypotensive properties. From a practical standpoint, the clinical use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors and a decarboxylase inhibitor (α-methyldopa) approach the achievement of medical sympathectomy without prohibitive side effects. From a basic standpoint, use of these inhibitors as biochemical tools affords a new perspective into connections between aromatic amine metabolism and blood-pressure regulation. A combined pharmacological-biochemical approach in man will be an important phase of future investigations.