Effects of short-lasting and long-lasting blood pressure changes on the release of endogenous catecholamines in the hypothalamus of the conscious, freely moving rabbit.

In anaesthetized rabbits guide cannulae were stereotaxically inserted into the anterior hypothalamic area and into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus. Additionally, catheters were inserted into the carotid artery and the jugular vein. Some days after the operation push-pull cannulae were inserted through the guide cannulae into the hypothalamic regions of the conscious, freely moving animal. The areas were superfused with artificial CSF and the release of the endogenous catecholamines dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline was determined in the superfusates. In the two hypothalamic regions the resting release of the catecholamines rhythmically varied with time at approximately 70 min cycles. A rise in blood pressure induced by the intravenous injection of noradrenaline or tramazoline enhanced the rates of release of the catecholamines in the anterior hypothalamic area. A fall of blood pressure elicited by the intravenous injection of nitroprusside or chlorisondamine decreased the release of the catecholamines in this hypothalamic area. The changes in blood pressure coincided with the changes in the rates of release of the catecholamines in the anterior hypothalamic area. These and previous results concerning changes in the release of endogenous catecholamines in the posterior hypothalamic nucleus also indicate that in the conscious, freely moving rabbit changes in blood pressure lead to counteracting alterations in the release of catecholamines in the two hypothalamic regions.