Beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity in subjects practicing transcendental meditation.
Paul J Mills, Robert H Schneider, D Hill, Kenneth G Walton, R K Wallace
Journal of Psychosomatic Research 1990 DOI: 10.1016/0022-3999(90)90005-o (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case-control comparison Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Adults practicing Transcendental Meditation compared with controls |
| Intervention | Transcendental Meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Lymphocytes Humans Iodocyanopindolol Receptors, adrenergic, beta Radioligand assay Type a personality Arousal Personality tests Adult Male Relaxation therapy |
| Key findings | Meditators showed a lower percentage of functional lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptors than controls, with no group differences in total receptor number, plasma catecholamines, Type A behavior, exercise, or family history of hypertension. The authors contend this provides some support for the hypothesis that meditation is associated with reduced sympathetic adrenergic receptor sensitivity. |
Abstract
Several studies suggest that behavioral techniques such as meditation and relaxation may be associated with reduced end organ adrenergic receptor sensitivity. Thus far the evidence supporting this hypothesis has been indirect. We present preliminary findings showing reduced beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity in a group of subjects practicing Transcendental Meditation. The meditation group (N = 10), compared to controls (N = 10), had a lower percentage of functional lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptors (p = 0.009), but showed no difference in total receptor number or plasma catecholamines. There were no differences between the groups in Type A behavior, the Type A components, exercise, or family history of hypertension. The results provide some support for studies postulating that meditation is associated with reduced sympathetic adrenergic receptor sensitivity, and provide encouragement for the efficacy of receptor measurement in psychophysiology research.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cited by 22
- Effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation Program in Preventing and Treating Substance Misuse: A Review International Journal of the Addictions 1991
- Levels of immune cells in transcendental meditation practitioners International Journal of Yoga 2014
- Neurophysiological, cognitive-behavioral and neurochemical effects in practitioners of transcendental meditation - A literature review Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira May 1, 2019
- Design and Methods for a Pilot Study of a Phone-Delivered, Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2012
- The promising role of Transcendental Meditation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases: A systematic review Obesity Reviews July 28, 2024
and 17 more in the library
Cites 6
- Meditation as an intervention in stress reactivity. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1976
- Medical care utilization and the transcendental meditation program. Psychosomatic Medicine 1987
- Norepinephrine alterations under stress conditions following the regular practice of meditation. Psychosomatic Medicine March 1, 1986
- Systolic blood pressure and long-term practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program: effects of TM on systolic blood pressure. Psychosomatic Medicine March 1983
- Sympathetic activity and transcendental meditation. Journal of Neural Transmission 1979
and 1 more in the library