title: Catecholamine neurotransmitters and the heart.
abstract: The possible role of adrenaline as a cardiac neurotransmitter was studied following its infusion in 6 healthy volunteers. After the end of the infusion, heart rate remained elevated for several hours despite a rapid fall in plasma adrenaline concentration. Stimulation of sympathetic activity by standing caused a further marked increase in heart rate, which was greater than that found on a control occasion. These effects were abolished or reduced by pretreatment with either desipramine or (in the dog) alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, suggesting that they depend both on uptake of the adrenaline into sympathetic nerve endings during infusion and on increased release of endogenous noradrenaline. These results are consistent with stimulation of the beta-presynaptic receptor by adrenaline when re-released from sympathetic nerves.
mesh_terms: D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011188:Potassium; D004837:Epinephrine