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A centrally mediated peripheral hypotensive effect of alpha-methyldopa.
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1970
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HypertensionPeripheral Nervous SystemPeripheral CirculationIntegrative PhysiologyMolecular PharmacologySympathetic Nervous SystemNeurologyAnesthetic PharmacologyHealth SciencesAutonomic SystemMolecular PhysiologySodium HomeostasisVascular PharmacologyNeuropharmacologyVascular BiologyPeripheral Hypotensive EffectNervous SystemEndocrinologyPharmacologyCerebral Blood FlowBrain PerfusionSitu Cat BrainNeurophysiologyPhysiologyCardiovascular PhysiologyCentral Nervous SystemAnesthesiaMedicineAnesthesiology
To determine whether α-methyldopa (α-MD) could affect the peripheral circulation by a central action, it was perfused through the isolated in situ cat brain having reflex and/or tonic sympathetic control over the circulations of the body and an isolated perfused hind limb of the same cat. A centrally mediated hypotension, bradycardia and decreased hind limb vascular resistance were consistent findings on brain perfusion of α-MD in concentrations ranging from 25 to 200 αg/mI of perfusing blood. Norepinephrine levels in the hypothalamus, midbrain and medulla oblongata determined one-half one and two hours after α-MD perfusion were not significantly lowered, indicating a lack of correlation between the centrally mediated peripheral hypotension and effects on brain norepinephrine. The results are interpreted as an unequivocal demonstration of a centrally mediated hypotensive effect of α-MD in the nonhypertensive anesthetized cat.