Simultaneous determination of plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline kinetics

Abstract

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.