Research Update on Adrenergic Antibodies in POTS - Satish Raj, MD, MSCI

Dr. Satish Raj presented an update on the research into adrenergic antibodies in POTS at the Dysautonomia International's 2019 Conference. The study aimed to explore the presence and role of autoantibodies against alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors. Initial studies, such as those by David Kim and others, had indicated the potential involvement of these antibodies in POTS. Dr. Raj highlighted the methodological challenges faced, particularly regarding assay development and the degradation of norepinephrine in samples. Functional assays showed promise in differentiating between POTS patients and controls, suggesting increased receptor activity in the former. However, questions remain about the clinical relevance of these findings, and further research, including assays free from norepinephrine interference, is ongoing to confirm these results and their potential for guiding treatment.