Effects of stimulation by carbachol on the metabolism of the bovine adrenal medulla.

1. A method is described that has made it possible to achieve a great decrease in the catecholamine and adenine nucleotide contents of the perfused bovine adrenal gland by the infusion of carbachol. 2. Although the catecholamines secreted were recovered in the perfusion medium, no evidence was obtained that the nucleotides are secreted by the gland. 3. It is concluded that the secretion of catecholamines is accompanied by extensive chemical alteration of the adenine nucleotides of the chromaffin granules. 4. The secretory response and the spontaneous release of catecholamines depends on the presence of Ca(2+) in the perfusing Tyrode solution. 5. Anoxia does not have a significant effect on the carbachol-induced secretion of catecholamines. 6. Strips of bovine adrenal medullary tissue perfused with oxygenated Tyrode solution show an increased oxygen consumption when carbachol is added.