EFFECTS OF DECASERPINE ON THE CONTENT OF CATECHOLAMINE IN THE BRAIN, ATRIUM AND ADRENAL GLAND OF RABBIT

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Abstract
The effects of the intravenous or intracarotid injection of decaserpine on the contents of norepinephrine in the brain and atrium, and of epinephrine in the adrenal glands were studied in the unanesthetized rabbit. The intravenous injection of decaserpine depleted not only norepinephrine in the heart and epinephrine in the adrenal glands but also norepinephrine in the brain. The time courses of the depletion of the amines in these organs were similar. The intracarotid injection of decaserpine also depleted norepinephrine and epinephrine slightly. The depletion of the amines caused by 0.1 mg/kg of decaserpine was less and shorter lasting than that caused by the same dose of reserpine. Large doses of intravenous decaserpine depressed the respiratory rate markedly and induced a slight sign of sedation and ptosis. Moderate doses of intracarotid decaserpine often killed the animal due to respiratory failure and convulsions. The intravenous injection of tetrabenazine depleted not only norepinephrine in the brain but also norepinephrine in the atrium and epinephrine in the adrenal glands. The intravenous injection of xylopinne did not significantly affect the levels of the amines in these organs.