Studies on the utility of urinary 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylene-glycol (DHPG) measurement

Abstract

1. The utility of urinary DHPG measurement as an index of NE function was evaluated in an animal model by determining its excretion following pharmacological manipulations that are known to alter noradrenergic activity. 2. Acute desipramine (DMI) administration (10 mg/kg i.p.b.i.d.) significantly reduced urinary DHPG (−26%) but not MHPG (−18%) excretion. 3. Acute yohimbine administration (5 mg/kg i.p.b.i.d.) significantly increased urinary DHPG and MHPG levels to a similar extent (+46%). 4. These findings suggest that urinary DHPG levels also provide a sensitive indicator reflecting changes in NE neuronal activity. Further, DHPG may be a better measure of NE metabolism than MHPG to assess the efficiency of the NE neuronal uptake system.