Effect of experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage on the adrenergic innervation of cerebral arteries

Abstract

The effect of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on the adrenergic innervation of cat cerebral arteries was analyzed. Intracisternal injections of autologous blood reduced the noradrenaline [norepinephrine] content from the perivascular nerves. Dopamine .beta.-hydroxylase and the uptake of 3H-noradrenaline were decreased. These changes returned to normal in a period 2-3 wk after the SAH. Superior cervical ganglionectomy and intracisternal injections of 6-hydroxydopamine reduced these 3 parameters. SAH may induce a transient adrenergic denervation of the cerebral arteries which may be involved in the production of the chronic cerebral vasospasm.