Biochemical Properties of Bretylium

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Abstract
The effect of bretylium (10−3 m) on the respiration of brain slices and certain enzyme systems has been investigated. This concentration of drug is similar to that present in cat sympathetic ganglia after doses of bretylium sufficient to impair adrenergic nerve function. It was a weak inhibitor of monoamine oxidase, but had no effect on the other enzymes investigated. Prolonged treatment with bretylium (10 mg./kg.) did not affect the catecholamine levels of cat adrenals and sympathetic ganglia; larger doses depleted the amine from the ganglia. The noradrenaline content of rabbit spleen tended to rise after chronic dosage with the drug and this treatment appeared to render the amine refractory to the depleting action of reserpine.