The Trp64Arg beta3-adrenergic receptor amino acid variant confers increased sensitivity to the pressor effects of noradrenaline in Sardinian subjects.

The beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)AR) plays a critical role in lipid metabolism, and thus alterations in its function may be involved in the metabolic syndrome. Indeed, we have found previously that the Trp64Arg amino acid variant of the beta(3)AR is associated with hypertension and higher serum triacylglycerol levels in the Sardinian population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the Trp64Arg beta(3)AR variant on the regulation of triacylglycerol levels and blood pressure during the exogenous infusion of noradrenaline.