URINARY CATECHOLAMINE RESPONSE TO WATER IMMERSION

Abstract
The urinary excretion of adrenaline and norad renaline was measured by bioassay for 16 normal human subjects during 6 hours of complete water immersion. The excretion of adrenaline was moderately increased, possibly related to the anxiety associated with the immersion. The excretion of noradrenaline was significantly reduced during immersion. Six subjects were studied during passive vertical tilt following immersion. Ortho static intolerance was demonstrated and the increase in pulse rate and decrease in pulse pressure were significantly different from the control tilt. The probable mechanisms of the reduced noradrenaline excretion during immersion and its relation to the postimmersion impairment of orthostatic tolerance are discussed.