The effects of changes in ionic environment and modification of adrenergic function on the vascular responses to sympathomimetic amines

Abstract

The responses to each of four sympathomimetic amines: noradrenaline 200 ng, octopamine 50 μg, metaraminol 20 μg and tyramine 100 μg were studied in the perfused rat mesentery preparation. Perfusion with Ca2+- and Mg2+-free solutions potentiated the responses to all four amines compared with control responses obtained during normal Krebs perfusion. Under perfusion conditions using either normal or Ca2+- and Mg2+-free Krebs solution, nialamide and reserpine retained their characteristic effects on the responses to each amine. Cocaine and desipramine abolished the responses to tyramine but potentiated those to noradrenaline and metaraminol under all perfusion conditions. The responses to each of the amines were only antagonized by ouabain when Ca2+ ions were present in the perfusion solution. It is concluded that perfusion with Ca2+- and Mg2+-free solution interferes with the normal uptake mechanisms occurring in the adrenergic neuron.