Norepinephrine Deficiency Drooling Treatment

Norepinephrine, medically classified as both a chemical and hormone, is crucial to metabolizing energy in our bodies. Insufficient norepinephrine creates a range of health problems. In rare cases of severe deficiency, a person becomes weak and debilitated with symptoms that range from heart troubles to occasional drooling.

Norepinephrine Deficiency

• Mutations of the dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene are responsible for norepinephrine deficiency---also called dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency. DBH deficiency is defined in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases as "a complete absence of noradrenaline and adrenaline in plasma together with increased plasma dopamine levels."
  The results include overall weakness, limb rigidity, droopy eyelids, severe low blood pressure, stuffy nose, poor muscle tone, chronic low blood sugar, infant hypothermia, ejaculation problems, exercise intolerance and---occasionally when in a weakened state---drooling.

Treatment

• Some physicians are trying mineralocorticoids, which help to balance electrolytes, mineral absorption and fluid levels. Along with these, doctors may use adrenergic receptor agonists, which in essence may replace norepinephrine in the important role of activating contraction of arteriolar muscles and relaxation of bronchial muscles.
  But the most promising while still controversial treatment is L-threo-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylserine, more commonly called DOPS. French clinical researchers Jean-Michel Senard and Philippe Rouet report in their 2006 article in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases that DOPS can reverse plasma noradrenaline levels to normal and can reverse many of the behavioral effects of DBH deficiency. The reversal may include drooling for patients experiencing this effect.
  Senard and Rouet's studies in humans found that most specifically, DOPS can increase blood pressure and relieve postural symptoms.

Getting the Right Help

• DBH deficiency is very rare and there is a lot that scientists and doctors have yet to understand. There is no singular cure, and no medication addresses all of the complications and system failures associated with the condition.
  Addressing a DBH-deficient patient's drooling issue is most likely accomplished through treatments which address an entire scope of issues such as rigidity or fluid balance. If you or a loved one is experiencing DBH deficiency, it's advisable to seek out a specialist on this rare genetic disorder.
  Since no two cases are exactly the same, the specialist will tailor treatments specific to a patient's needs.