Effect of ganglionic blockade with trimethaphan on corticosteroid responses to metoclopramide in rhesus monkeys.

In order to investigate whether metoclopramide stimulates 18-hydroxycorticosterone and aldosterone production directly by way of the autonomic nervous system, we have examined the effects of ganglionic blockade with trimethaphan on the responses to metoclopramide (200 micrograms/kg) in rhesus monkeys. Trimethaphan, infused at a rate (200 micrograms/kg/min) which significantly decreased mean arterial pressure from 122 +/- 7 to 62 +/- 4 mmHg, did not alter the peak plasma 18-OHB and aldosterone responses to metoclopramide. These results suggest that 18-hydroxycorticosterone and aldosterone responses to metoclopramide occur independently of adrenergic neuronal input.