THE EFFECT OF NOR-EPINEPHRINE UPON PULMONARY ARTERIOLAR RESISTANCE IN MAN 1

Abstract

The effect of the intraven. infusion of l-nor-epinephrine upon the hemodynamics of 13 human subjects was studied. During l-nor-epinephrine infusion the following changes took place: there was a significant rise in mean pulmonary artery pressure, a significant rise in mean brachial artery pressure, and a significant rise in mean pulmonary "capillary" pressure. Cardiac output declined in 5 subjects and remained unchanged in 5. Total peripheral resistance increased; there was no significant increase in pulmonary arteriolar resistance. In each of 3 subjects there was a rise in right atrial pressure. The pulmonary hypertension occurring during the admn. of l-nor-epinephrine was shown to be due to elevation of pulmonary venous pressure rather than constriction of the pulmonary artery.