Catecholamine assays in a rat model for autonomic dysreflexia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if norepinephrine (NE) levels increased during autonomic dysreflexia (AD) hypertension in spinal cord injured rats.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized study of three groups of eight rats that underwent C8 spinal cord transection. Two days postoperatively, catecholamine samples were collected from the animals as follows: group 1 without preoperative chemical sympathectomy using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH DA) or induced AD; group 2 with induced AD; and group 3, preoperative chemical sympathectomy with 6-OH DA and induced AD.


METHODS
Basic science research laboratory in an academic institution.


METHODS
Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 300g.


METHODS
Three episodes of induced AD hypertension with bowel distension for 1 minute.


RESULTS
Results showed a significant difference between groups 1 and 2, 2 and 3, and 1 and 3 (p=.0002, ANOVA, Y1/2, post hoc Tukey). The mean NE levels in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 465+/-400 ng/mL, 1,328+/-1,116 ng/mL, and 31+/-61 ng/mL, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
NE increased during AD in the spinal cord injured rat. NE levels were effectively blocked by 6-OH DA when AD was induced. Knowledge of catecholamine levels in this process may assist in determining both pathophysiology and potential pharmacologic treatment options in future human studies.
Chiou-Tan
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Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Robertson
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Chiou
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D000818:Animals; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D008297:Male; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000097:blood*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D013563:Sympathectomy, Chemical
D009638:Norepinephrine