Gatecholamine Content and Response to Norepinephrine of Middle Cerebral Artery

Abstract

SummaryThe norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) contents of bovine middle cerebral (MCA) and lingual (LA) arteries were determined fluorometrically. Although the amount of E was almost identical in the 2 vessels, the MCA contained almost four times as much NE as the LA. Cumulative NE dose-response curves revealed a much greater reactivity of the LA than the MCA. An inverse relationship is demonstrated between NE content and vascular reactivity to this agent, and a similar relationship is suggested between NE content and the degree of functional innervation in some vascular beds.The technical assistance of Mrs. Olha Holo-wecky is gratefully acknowledged.