Circadian variations of catecholaminergic binding sites on blood cells and circulating catecholamines (CA) in serum from ten healthy volunteers, with ordinary daily activities during the investigation were examined. Simultaneously, psychological status was analysed by different tests (MMPI-Saarbrücken, EWL and BfS).
A significant increase in binding capacity (maximum at 8 p.m.) of α2-receptors with a concomitant significant decrease in affinity (minimum at 8 p.m.) was observed. β2-receptors showed a slight, but significant diurnal decrease in capacity (maximum at 8 a.m.) with no change in affinity. 3-H-spiperone binding sites on lymphocytes and circulating plasma CA did not differ significantly during 24 hours. The psychological tests showed significant diurnal variations for only the EWL-subgroups «activity» and «general inactivity» respectively with the BfS.
No correlations has been observed between biological and psychological data.
