The effect of clonidine on plasma MHPG: Evidence against tonic alpha2-adrenoceptor control of noradrenergic function
✍ Scribed by David J. Nutt; Stephen G. Molyneux
- Publisher
- Springer
- Year
- 1986
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 355 KB
- Volume
- 90
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0033-3158
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✦ Synopsis
The effect of the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine on plasma free MHPG levels was assessed in 12 normal volunteers. A significant fall in MHPG was produced by 1.5 gg. kg 1 clonidine IV whereas saline had no effect. The peak fall in MHPG correlated strongly with the area under the curve (AUC). In addition, a strong correlation was seen between basal MHPG and the extent of the clonidine-induced fall. This suggests that plasma MHPG levels are not simply a reflection of central alphazadrenoceptor function and argues against tonic alpha2-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibitory control of noradrenergic output.