Hemodynamic effects of norepinephrine and isoprenaline in various regions of the canine splanchnic area.

Responses to norepinephrine (NE) and isoprenaline (ISO) (1-1024 ng/kg i.v.) were assessed by electromagnetic flowmetry on 18 arteries of the splanchnic region in anesthetized dogs. Measurements were judged according to the 2 criteria: 1. direction of effect; 2.sensitivity of vascular areas to catecholamines, expressed as D50 (i.e. the calculated dose inducing 50% of the maximum effect). NE decreased flow in all arteries (40-80%), but caused additionally an increase in the celiac, splenic and splenic artery proper. Thus changes in the spleen are responsible for the increase with NE. Flow reduction in the pancreatic branch of the cranial mesenteric artery was small. All flow reductions induced by NE had a similar D50 (about 30 ng/kg), except that in the hepatic artery (100 ng/kg).