The Urinary Excretion of Noradrenaline and Adrenaline in Healthy Subjects During Recumbency and Standing

Abstract

Summary. Healthy persons placed on a tilting table at an angle of 75 degrees for 3 or 4 hours show a considerably increased urinary output of noradrenaline in comparison with the corresponding excretion in recumbent position. The increased production of noradrenaline is interpreted as the result of reflex activation of the vasomotor system induced by the orthostatic fall of the systolic blood pressure. The excretion of adrenaline in urine during the tilting test showed a slight to moderate increase probably depending on various stress factors (muscular activity, uncomfortable position) during standing. In none of the 15 tested healthy persons on the tilting table (75°) showing increased noradrenaline excretion, did syncope occur.