Diuresis in rats: effects of sympathomimetic and sympathetic blocking agents.

Dopamine and tyramine possess diuretic properties resembling but weaker than those of noradrenaline in the rat. These three amines produce a relatively smaller loss of sodium than does adrenaline. Bretylium shows a diuretic action which is apparently associated with its sympathomimetic properties and which is antagonized by phenoxybenzamine. However, bretylium causes a relatively greater loss of potassium and chloride than do the sympathomimetic amines. A slight antidiuretic action is shown by bretylium after its diuretic effect has subsided and a similar effect is produced by BW 172C58, which has relatively weak sympathomimetic properties. In contrast to these adrenergic neurone blocking agents, phenoxybenzamine and a ganglion blocking agent (pentacynium) show powerful antidiuretic effects. These observations are consistent with the view that the adrenal medulla has an important role in facilitating water diuresis in rats.