Nitroprusside-induced Hypotension Research Articles

Renal Effects of Local Infusion of Adenosine in Man

1. The effects of local intra-arterial infusion of adenosine on renal blood flow, glomerular filtration and renin release in eight healthy awake subjects have been examined. 2. Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate were measured as the clearances of p-aminohippurate and inulin, respectively. After basal samplings, adenosine was infused intra-arterially at successive rates of 2 and 10 micrograms min-1 kg-1 for 40 min at each rate. 3. Apart from a small increase in heart rate (65 +/- 4 to 71 +/- 4 beats/min), there were no signs of sympathetic activation (unchanged blood pressure and catecholamine levels) during the infusion. Clearance of p-aminohippurate tended to increase, but not significantly, during adenosine infusion (518 +/- 48 ml/min basal, 563 +/- 52 ml/min during the highest dose of adenosine). The arterial plasma concentration of p-aminohippurate decreased by 9 +/- 3% (P < 0.05), consistent with a small increase in renal blood flow in the infused kidney. Inulin clearance was reduced from 115 +/- 3 to 97 +/- 2 ml/min (P < 0.001). The extraction of inulin, reflecting the filtration fraction, was 18% in both kidneys in the basal state. During infusion of adenosine the extraction in the infused kidney decreased to 12 +/- 3% (P < 0.01 compared with the control kidney, 23 +/- 3%). 4. The total excretion of Na+ was unchanged, but there was a minor decrease in K+ clearance. Thus, the K+/Na+ excretion ratio decreased from a basal value of 13 +/- 2 to 10 +/- 2 (P < 0.01) at the highest dose of adenosine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Central sympathetic control of spinal endothelin release in the rat

Endothelin and its receptors have been identified in the spinal cord. Intrathecal administration of endothelin-3 produces hypotension in anesthetized rats. The present study was designed to identify whether endothelin-3 is released upon changes in sympathetic nervous activity. Endothelin-3-like immunoreactivity in spinal superfusates was directly correlated with resting arterial pressure. Endothelin-3 levels were enhanced by hypothalamic stimulation and by hemorrhage-induced hypotension and reduced by nitroprusside-induced hypotension. These findings suggest that sympathetic activation enhances endothelin-3 release but that nitroprusside may act directly to suppress release. We propose that endothelin-3 plays a role in spinal regulation of sympathetic outflow.

Prolonged absence of ovarian hormones in the ewe reduces the adrenocorticotropin response to hypotension, but not to hypoglycemia or corticotropin-releasing factors

The ACTH responses to hypotension, hypoglycemia, CRF, arginine vasopressin (AVP), and the combination of CRF and AVP were compared to determine whether there was a general decrease in ACTH responses to these stimuli in ovariectomized ewes compared to intact animals. The ovariectomized ewes were studied either 2-4 weeks post-ovariectomy (acute) or 4-7 months post-ovariectomy (chronic). Each ewe was subjected to saline control infusion, nitroprusside-induced hypotension (100 micrograms/min for 10 min), insulin-induced hypoglycemia (25 U porcine insulin), CRF (1 microgram/min for 60 min), AVP (0.2 microgram/min), and a combination of CRF plus AVP. In each experiment, plasma ACTH concentrations were measured at 10-min intervals for 1 h. The peak ACTH concentrations were significantly lower in response to hypotension in the chronic ewes compared to those in either the intact or acute group. The ACTH response to hypoglycemia was not significantly reduced in either ovariectomized group. The ACTH responses to CRF, AVP, and the combination of both were not significantly reduced in either ovariectomized group. The results suggest that the effect of ovariectomy on the ACTH response to stress occurs at a site within the brain and does not involve altered pituitary responsiveness to CRF or AVP.

Prolonged absence of ovarian hormones in the ewe reduces the adrenocorticotropin response to hypotension, but not to hypoglycemia or corticotropin-releasing factors.

The ACTH responses to hypotension, hypoglycemia, CRF, arginine vasopressin (AVP), and the combination of CRF and AVP were compared to determine whether there was a general decrease in ACTH responses to these stimuli in ovariectomized ewes compared to intact animals. The ovariectomized ewes were studied either 2-4 weeks post-ovariectomy (acute) or 4-7 months post-ovariectomy (chronic). Each ewe was subjected to saline control infusion, nitroprusside-induced hypotension (100 micrograms/min for 10 min), insulin-induced hypoglycemia (25 U porcine insulin), CRF (1 microgram/min for 60 min), AVP (0.2 microgram/min), and a combination of CRF plus AVP. In each experiment, plasma ACTH concentrations were measured at 10-min intervals for 1 h. The peak ACTH concentrations were significantly lower in response to hypotension in the chronic ewes compared to those in either the intact or acute group. The ACTH response to hypoglycemia was not significantly reduced in either ovariectomized group. The ACTH responses to CRF, AVP, and the combination of both were not significantly reduced in either ovariectomized group. The results suggest that the effect of ovariectomy on the ACTH response to stress occurs at a site within the brain and does not involve altered pituitary responsiveness to CRF or AVP.

Baroreceptor reflex-linked changes in catechol metabolism in the rat rostral ventrolateral medulla.

1. Using in vivo voltammetry, this study relates catecholamine metabolism within the rat rostral ventrolateral medulla to the level of mean arterial pressure (MAP) under halothane anaesthesia. 2. A vasopressor region was circumscribed with electrical stimulations in an area located 1000-1700 microns rostral to the obex. A catechol signal was then ascertained within this area. The recording site was surrounded with phenyl-N-methyl-ethanolamine transferase immuno-positive cell bodies. 3. Three levels of decrease of arterial pressure were induced with nitroprusside infusion: -15, -35 and -55 mmHg (n = 5 in each group) from baseline for 30 min. This led to increases in the catechol signal which were inversely related to the degree of hypotension (P < 10(-4) vs. saline for the 35 and 55 mmHg groups, P < 0.05 for the 35 mmHg group as compared to the 15 and 55 mmHg groups following recovery from hypotension). 4. Following sino-aortic deafferentation, nitroprusside-induced hypotension (-35 mmHg) did not lead to any change in the catechol signal in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (n = 5). Furthermore, controlled hypotension induced in intact rats did not evoke any change in the catechol signal recorded in a dopaminergic area of the midbrain, the ventral tegmental area (A10 area; n = 5). 5. An infusion of phenylephrine increased MAP by 35 mmHg from a baseline pressure of 105 mmHg for 30 min and evoked a non-significant decrease in the catechol signal (n = 5). In another group of rats a lower baseline pressure (80 mmHg) was stabilized (n = 5) with a higher concentration of halothane. An identical increment in pressure was then produced by a phenylephrine infusion and led to a significant reduction in the catechol signal (P < 0.05 vs. saline under similar conditions; n = 5). 6. The new findings of this study are that the level of activity of the metabolism of catecholamine in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (i) is continuously related to the level of arterial pressure, (ii) functions close to its resting level under baseline conditions and is primarily engaged during hypotension and (iii) is baroreflex linked. 7. Given the lack of direct evidence for a link between unit activity and catechol metabolism, these changes in catechol activity, recorded continuously in vivo next to adrenergic cell bodies, may represent the biochemical-specific counterpart of changes in the level of electrical unitary activity of presumed adrenergic cardiovascular medullospinal sympathoexcitatory neurons. Therefore, it provides evidence that adrenaline-synthesizing neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla respond to baroreceptor inputs.

Diltiazem Reduces the Dose Requirement for Nitroprusside-Induced Hypotension

Diltiazem Reduces the Dose Requirement for Nitroprusside-Induced Hypotension

Renin-angiotensin system stimulates respiration during acute hypotension but not during hypercapnia.

We reported that intravenous infusion of angiotensin II (ANG II) stimulated ventilation (VE) in conscious dogs. Other studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that increases in respiration occurred in association with activation of the renin-angiotensin system during acute hypotension and during hypercapnia. Therefore, in conscious dogs (n = 5), we examined the effects of ANG II receptor blockade with intravenous saralasin (0.5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) on respiratory responses during progressive nitroprusside-induced hypotension and during the ventilatory response to increased inspired fraction of CO2 (VRC). During hypotension (mean arterial pressure decreased approximately 20%) combined with ANG II receptor blockade, VE, heart rate, and arginine vasopressin increases were attenuated compared within unblocked studies. With ANG II receptor blockade during hypotension, alveolar ventilation and arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) were unchanged, which contrasted with a doubling of alveolar ventilation and a decrease of 4.8 +/- 1 Torr in PaCO2 in unblocked studies. During hypercapnia, the slope of the VRC was not affected by ANG II receptor blockade, but with 6.5% inspired CO2 fraction, VE and PaCO2 were lower than in unblocked studies. These results indicated that ANG II contributed to the respiratory response to a modest hypotension but did not affect respiratory sensitivity to CO2.

Esmolol infusion during nitroprusside-induced hypotension: Impact on hemodynamics, ventricular performance, and venous admixture

The impact of esmolol infusion on hemodynamics, ventricular performance, venous admixture, sympathoadrenal, and renin-angiotensin system responses during sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced hypotension was studied in 11 patients undergoing lymph node dissection during general anesthesia with 60% nitrous oxide and fentanyl. Radial arterial and thermistor-tipped pulmonary catheters were employed for hemodynamic monitoring. Arterial and mixed venous blood gas tensions, arterial plasma renin activity (PRA), and plasma catecholamine levels were measured. Derived hemodynamic parameters and venous admixture (Qs/Qt) data were obtained from standard equations. Transesophageal echocardiography (6 patients) was used to assess left ventricular performance using the relationship between end-systolic wall stress (ESWS) and velocity of circumferential shortening (VCFC). After surgical incision, arterial hypotension was induced with SNP alone. Esmolol was infused at each of the following rates in sequence: 200, 300, and 400 μg/kg/min. Each esmolol infusion lasted 20 minutes and the SNP dose was adjusted to maintain MAP at 55 to 60 mm Hg. The mean dose of SNP required to induce hypotension was 5.5 μg/kg/min ± 0.5 SE. Compared to prehypotension values, SNP induced significant increases in Qs/Qt and reductions in PaO 2, systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and stroke volume index (SVI). Esmolol infusion caused dose-dependent (highest with 400 μg/kg/min) reductions in the SNP requirement, heart rate (HR), SVI, Qs/Qt, and PRA, and also led to significant increases in SVR and left ventricular (LV) internal diameter in diastole as well as systole. Furthermore, esmolol infusion was associated with a dose-dependent downward and leftward shift of the ESWS versus VCFC relationship, implying diminished contractility. These findings indicate that β-blockade with esmolol during SNP-induced hypotension is effective in reducing SNP dose requirement and PRA, while improving arterial oxygenation. However, in this setting, esmolol causes reductions in cardiac inotropic and chronotropic responses, resulting in diminished ventricular performance.

Effect of N ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester on arterial pressure and on vasodilator and vasoconstrictor responses: influence of initial vascular tone

Intravenous N ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) 0.3, 3 and 30 mg/kg produced a dose-dependent increase of blood pressure in urethane-anesthetized rats. Similar pressure responses occured in rats after ganglionic or adrenergic blockade, hemorrhage or acetylcholine infusion. L-NAME potentiated the pressor response to phenylephrine in pentolinium-treated rats. L-NAME increased the depressor effect of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside and shortened the acetylcholine response. Phenylephrine potentiated the magnitude but not the duration of the acetylcholine response and had no effect on the duration or magnitude of sodium nitroprusside-induced hypotension. L-NAME potentiated the initial fall of blood pressure induced by a 5 min acetylcholine infusion but had no effect on the pressure drop at the end of infusion. These results suggest that basal production of nitric oxide (NO) is not related to vascular tone and do not support the view that acetylcholine releases NO from resistance vessels in vivo.

Nitroprusside-Induced Hypotension and Cerebrovascular Autoregulation in the Anesthetized Pig

The influence of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular autoregulation at doses that produced 36% +/- 3% (slight) and 52% +/- 4% (moderate) reductions of mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was evaluated in mechanically ventilated fentanyl/N2O-anesthetized pigs. The blood flow of the frontal hemispheres was evaluated by sagittal sinus outflow, which was determined by an electromagnetic method. Integrity of cerebral autoregulation was evaluated by two formal tests: one hypertensive challenge with an angiotensin infusion (n = 12) and one hypotensive challenge with reduced venous return to the heart (blockade of the vena cava, n = 7). The tests were performed before, during, and after hypotension. Cerebral blood flow tended to increase during hypotension, but this change was not significant. Impaired autoregulation was seen in both tests during slight hypotension (MABP = 89 +/- 3 mm Hg) with an SNP infusion of 12 +/- 3 micrograms.kg-1.min-1. Cerebral autoregulation was completely abolished at both tests during moderate hypotension (MABP = 61 +/- 2 mm Hg with an SNP infusion of 38 +/- 7 micrograms.kg-1.min-1). Despite a posthypotensive increase in cerebral blood flow without rebound hypertension, the autoregulatory response to angiotensin-induced hypertension was restored within 15-25 min. The autoregulatory response to a decrease in MABP was impaired for more than an hour after discontinuation of the SNP infusion. No acidosis was observed. The authors conclude that during slight and moderate SNP-induced hypotension, there was a dose-dependent impairment of cerebral autoregulation. Further, the autoregulatory response to the hypotensive challenge after SNP hypotension was markedly delayed, whereas the response to hypertension was rapidly restored.

Blood Pressure, Pulse, and Neurohumoral Responses to Nitroprusside-Induced Hypotension in Normotensive Aging Men

In order to assess the effects of age on blood pressure, pulse, and neurohumoral responses to hypotensive stress, we infused nitroprusside into healthy young and old men until mean arterial blood pressure was reduced 20% from basal. Elderly subjects were much more sensitive to nitroprusside. Pulse increases in response to this hypotensive stress were markedly reduced in the elderly, but renin, vasopressin, and norepinephrine responses were not different between young and old. We conclude that cardioacceleration, one of the primary defenses against hypotension, is impaired with age. However, neurohumoral responses to hypotension are intact in the elderly.

Changes in Plasma Concentration of Catechloamine during Sodium Nitroprusside-induced Hypotension

Changes in Plasma Concentration of Catechloamine during Sodium Nitroprusside-induced Hypotension

Effect of Bilateral Splanchnic Nerve Section on Adrenal Function in the Ovine Fetus*

The effect of bilateral splanchnic nerve (SPLX) section in fetal sheep [116-121 days gestational age (dGA)] on subsequent adrenocortical function was investigated. Fetal cortisol release was stimulated by 1) ACTH-(1-24) administration (100 ng/min for 15 min) at 126-129 and at 132-135 dGA, and 2) nitroprusside-induced hypotension (50% reduction in fetal arterial blood pressure for 10 min) at 129-132 and 136-139 dGA. No differences were observed between SPLX and control fetuses (CONT) in basal arterial plasma concentrations of cortisol from 126-141 dGA. A significant effect of fetal age on basal cortisol was observed in both SPLX and CONT fetuses from 126-141 dGA. A significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) increase in fetal arterial concentrations of cortisol was achieved by ACTH-(1-24) infusion in SPLX and CONT and did not differ between groups at either 126-129 or 132-135 dGA. Hypotension induced a significant increase in fetal plasma cortisol concentrations in SPLX and CONT fetuses (P less than or equal to 0.05). SPLX fetuses secreted significantly less cortisol in response to hypotension than CONT fetuses at both 129-132 and 136-139 dGA (P less than 0.05). Fetal arterial plasma concentrations of immunoreactive ACTH in response to hypotension were not different between CONT and SPLX fetuses. We estimated the half-life of endogenous fetal plasma cortisol after both hypotension and infusion of ACTH-(1-24). There were no differences between either method of inducing cortisol release on the endogenous cortisol half-life, nor were any differences in cortisol half-life observed between SPLX and CONT. At 136-139 dGA the adrenomedullary response to hypotension was abolished in SPLX, confirming completeness of denervation. In conclusion, the splanchnic nerves do not appear to be involved in the normal increase in basal fetal plasma cortisol observed in late gestation in fetal sheep. However, splanchnic nerve modulation of secretion of cortisol in response to stress may be involved in the increased fetal adrenal sensitivity to stress observed late in gestation.

Osmoresponsive units in sheep median preoptic nucleus

Single-unit neural activity in the lamina terminalis, a region implicated in osmoregulation, was studied in alpha-chloralose-anesthetized sheep during mild hyperosmotic stimulation (intracarotid infusions of 1.65 M NaCl, 3 M sorbitol in 0.15 M NaCl, or 3 M urea in 0.15 M NaCl, at 1 ml/min). Twelve of 121 units (9.9%) were activated significantly (by 82 +/- 52%) by 2- to 3-min infusions of 1.65 M NaCl. Eleven of these and one untested unit were excited by hypertonic sorbitol (91 +/- 40% increase). Of five units further tested with urea, two were excited (by 19 and 58%). Isotonic or hypotonic NaCl infusions were without effect (eight osmoresponsive units tested). All responsive units were in the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO; nucleus medianus). MnPO units were compared with neurohypophysial fibers (multiunit recordings). Osmotic response profiles were similar; both MnPO units and neurohypophysial fibers responded equally to hypertonic NaCl and sorbitol but less to equiosmolal urea. Both MnPO units and neurohypophysial fibers responded slowly, taking 50 and 30 s of NaCl infusion, respectively, to show significant increases and approximately 2 min to reach peak activity. Their hemodynamic responses differed, however; neurohypophysial fibers were strongly excited by nitroprusside-induced hypotension (three of three animals) but MnPO osmoresponsive units were not (zero of five units). Osmoresponsive MnPO units may contribute osmotic, but not hemodynamic, inputs to control vasopressin secretion and/or osmoregulatory responses.

Parallel increases in noradrenaline reuptake and release into plasma during activation of the sympathetic nervous system in rabbits

Rates of noradrenaline reuptake and spillover into plasma were examined in conscious rabbits before and during activation of the sympathetic nervous system to determine whether neuronal reuptake varies disproportionately or in parallel with increases in noradrenaline release. The sympathetic nervous system was stimulated by nitroprusside-induced hypotension, 2-deoxyglucose-induced glucopenia or intravenous infusion of isoprenaline before and after administration of desipramine to block neuronal uptake. Spillover of noradrenaline into plasma was estimated from the dilution of intravenously infused 3H-noradrenaline with endogenous plasma noradrenaline. The amount of dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) in plasma that was derived from metabolism of recaptured noradrenaline, together with the desipramine-induced decreases in clearance from plasma of 3H-noradrenaline and appearance in plasma of 3H-DHPG, were used to estimate the rate of neuronal reuptake of noradrenaline. The mean (+/- SEM) resting noradrenaline reuptake rate (n = 28) was 0.62 +/- 0.04 nmol kg-1 min-1, 5-fold greater than the rate of its spillover into plasma (0.12 +/- 0.02 nmol kg-1 min-1). Intravenous infusion of nitroprusside at 3 rates titrated to cause graded increases in heart rate caused 74%, 129% and 240% increases in noradrenaline spillover into plasma and 66%, 104% and 198% increases in noradrenaline reuptake. At 15-30 min after intravenous injection of 2-deoxyglucose (500 mg/kg) there was a 106% increase in noradrenaline spillover and a 93% increase in noradrenaline reuptake. Infusion of isoprenaline (0.25 micrograms kg-1 min-1) caused a 102% increase in noradrenaline spillover and a 130% increase in noradrenaline reuptake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cryosurgical denervation of the heart: Acute and chronic effects

A newly developed procedure for total cardiac denervation employing cryosurgical techniques is described. Thirty-three dogs underwent cryosurgical cardiac denervation. Twenty-seven survived the procedure and were divided into three groups. Completeness of denervation was evaluated by recording hemodynamic responses to sodium nitroprusside-induced hypotension, phenylephrine-induced hypertension, and direct cardiac autonomic nerve stimulations acutely (group I, n = 11) and 2 weeks after denervation (group II, n = 5). Serial drug infusion studies were performed during an 8-month period in group III animals (n = 11). Myocardial biopsies for catecholamine content were done in groups II and III. Both direct and reflex hemodynamic responses to autonomic neural stimulation were abolished in the acutely denervated hearts. Furthermore, at 2 weeks, direct neural stimulation was without effect, and myocardial catecholamine content was 95% depleted (p less than 0.001). Serial drug infusion studies revealed a changing spectrum of responses, suggesting the onset of reinnervation by 8 months following the procedure. Myocardial catecholamine content was 85% depleted at that time (p less than 0.001). Cryosurgical cardiac denervation is an effective technique offering the advantages of safety, simplicity, and completeness.

Responses to hypotension in conscious rats with chronic portal venous hypertension

Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and vascular conductance response to intravenous nitroprusside were compared in conscious, unrestrained portal vein-stenosed and sham-operated rats chronically instrumented for pulsed Doppler flowmetry. Ten to twelve days after portal vein stenosis, portal venous pressures were elevated and resting heart rates were greater. Portal vein-stenosed animals' depressor responses to nitroprusside were similar to those of sham-operated animals, despite a 41% reduction in their tachycardic response to arterial hypotension. Skeletal muscle vascular bed reflex responses to nitroprusside-induced hypotension were significantly attenuated in the portal vein-stenosed group, whereas their renal artery and superior mesenteric artery responses resembled that of the sham-operated group. After ganglionic blockade, tachycardic responses to hypotension were abolished, but portal vein-stenosed rats' heart rates remained greater than sham-operated rats. Comparisons of arterial pressure changes, renal artery, abdominal aorta, and superior mesenteric artery vascular conductance changes after ganglionic blockade revealed no differences in neurogenic vascular tone between groups. Ganglionic blockade enhanced nitroprusside depressor responses and increased vascular conductance responses to nitroprusside in both treatment groups while abolishing the between group difference in the skeletal muscle baroreflex response. These findings indicate that chronic prehepatic portal vein stenosis with portal venous hypertension results in reduced reflex tachycardic and skeletal muscle baroreflex responses to nitroprusside-induced hypotension.

Changes in catecholamine metabolism in the rostral ventrolateral medulla following halothane and nitroprusside-induced hypotension: an in vivo electrochemical study

The objective was to observe changes in rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) catecholamine metabolism using in vivo voltammetry following induced hypotension with halothane or nitroprusside (SNP). Rats anesthetized (halothane, metocurine) and ventilated were stereotaxically implanted with carbon microelectrodes in the RVLM. The catechol oxidation current (CA·OC, % baseline) was used as an index of RVLM catecholaminergic metabolism. Groups of rats (n = 5) were given (A) halothane 0.75% for 60 min; (B) halothane 2.75% plus phenylephrine infusion to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) for 30 min, then halothane 0.75% for 30 min; (C) halothane (2.5–3.0%) for 30 min (MAP60 ± 5mmHg) then halothane 0.75% for 30 min; (D)halothane 0.75% and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) for 30 min (MAP60 ± 5mmHg), then halothane 0.75% for 30 min. Halothane 0.75% produced no significant change in CA·OC or MAP (A), while halothane 2.5–3.0% produced a significant decrease in MAP and a symmetrical significant increase in CA·OC (ANOVA,P < 0.5). This increase peaked at 30 min (180 ± 28%) and reached110 ± 9% baseline at 60 min. The halothane and phenylephrine combination produced no significant change in CA·OC or MAP during the 30 min exposure (B). SNP (D) produced a significant increase in CA·OC (peak 48 min,224 ± 35%) which remained elevated at 60 min (198 ± 32%). Thus, the induced hypotension produced activation of RVLM catecholaminergic neurons. SNP induced a prolonged significant increase in RVLM catecholamine metabolism which may relate to rebound hypertension following use of this drug.

Preservation of renal blood flow during hypotension induced with fenoldopam in dogs

The introduction of drugs that could induce hypotension with different pharmacological actions would be advantageous because side effects unique to a specific drug could be minimized by selecting appropriate therapy. Specific dopamine-1, (DA1) and dopamine-2 (DA2) receptor agonists are now under clinical investigation. Fenoldopam mesylate is a specific DA1 receptor agonist that lowers blood pressure by vasodilatation. The hypothesis that fenoldopam could be used to induce hypotension and preserve blood flow to the kidney was tested. Systemic aortic blood pressure and renal blood flow were measured continuously with a carotid arterial catheter and an electromagnetic flow probe respectively, in order to compare the cardiovascular and renal vascular effects of fenoldopam and sodium nitroprusside in ten dogs under halothane general anaesthesia. Mean arterial pressure was decreased 30 +/- 8 per cent from control with infusion of fenoldopam (3.4 +/- 2.0 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) and 34 +/- 4 per cent with infusion of sodium nitroprusside (5.9 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) (NS). Renal blood flow (RBF) increased during fenoldopam-induced hypotension 11 +/- 7 per cent and decreased 21 +/- 8 per cent during sodium nitroprusside-induced hypotension (P less than 0.01). Sodium nitroprusside is a non-selective arteriolar and venous vasodilator that can produce redistribution of blood flow away from the kidney during induced hypotension. Fenoldopam is a selective dopamine-1 (DA1) receptor agonist that causes vasodilatation to the kidney and other organs with DA1 receptors and preserves blood flow to the kidney during induced hypotension.

Simultaneous determination of plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline kinetics

Liquid chromatographic fractionation and detection of exogenous radiolabelled and endogenous catechols was used to examine simultaneously the plasma kinetics of noradrenaline and adrenaline in the conscious rabbit. Plasma clearances and release of noradrenaline and adrenaline into plasma were compared before and during nitroprusside-induced hypotension and 2-deoxyglucose-induced glucopenia, stimuli purported to differentially affect catecholamine release from sympathetic neurons and the adrenal medulla. Plasma concentrations of dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) were also measured to assess presynaptic sympathetic function. Plasma clearances of adrenaline correlated with, but were significantly less than those of noradrenaline. Plasma clearances of both catecholamines showed significant decreases during nitroprusside-induced hypotension and 2-deoxyglucose-induced glucopenia. Glucopenia and hypotension increased the release into plasma of noradrenaline and adrenaline, but the adrenaline response relative to the noradrenaline response was greater during glucopenia than during hypotension. Plasma DHPG concentrations increased during glucopenia and hypotension, consistent with increased neuronal reuptake of noradrenaline and therefore a neuronal source--as opposed to an adrenal source--of most of the noradrenaline appearing in plasma during the stimuli. The increase in plasma DHPG relative to that of noradrenaline was greater after 2-deoxyglucose than after nitroprusside suggesting that the presynaptic handling of noradrenaline during glucopenia was different from that during hypotension or that the two stimuli released DHPG from regionally distinct sources.