EFFECT OF DENERVATION AND OF COCAINE ON THE ACTION OF SYMPATHOMIMETIC AMINES

Abstract

The secretory effect of sympathomimetic amines on the submaxillary gland of cats was increased after section of the chorda tympani (preganglionic, parasympathetic supply). After sympathetic denervation of the gland the secretory response to tyramine and phenylethylamine was absent, the response to dopamine and ephedrine decreased and the response to adrenaline and noradrenaline increased. Large doses of cocaine, given locally into the gland, produced changes similar to those observed after sympathetic denervation. The sensitization towards adrenaline and noradrenaline was obtained with smaller doses. Tyramine did not cause a release of catechols from the suprarenal glands of the cat.