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Ganglionic blockade with tetraethylammonium in conscious rats
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Tetraethylammonium blocks renal nerve activity at lower doses than it affects heart rate or blood pressure in rats. Use doses below 10(-2) g/kg/hr for renal plasma flow measurements.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Tetraethylammonium (TEA) is a sympathetic ganglionic blocking agent.
- TEA is used as a clearance marker for renal plasma flow measurement.
- The specific dose for sympathetic ganglionic blockade in rats is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the sympathetic ganglionic blocking dose of TEA in rats.
- To compare the effects of TEA on renal nerve activity, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate.
- To establish appropriate TEA dosage for renal plasma flow studies in rats.
Main Methods:
- Conscious rats were infused with cumulative doses of TEA (10^-5 to 10^-1 g/kg/hr).
- Renal nerve activity, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate were monitored.
- Doses causing a 15% reduction in parameters and lethal dose were determined.
Main Results:
- Renal nerve activity was abolished at 10^-1 g/kg/hr.
- Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were unaffected at doses below 10^-1 g/kg/hr.
- Renal nerve activity is 10- and 18-fold more sensitive to TEA blockade than heart rate and mean arterial pressure, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Renal nerve activity is significantly more sensitive to sympathetic ganglionic blockade by TEA than cardiovascular parameters.
- TEA doses for renal plasma flow measurement in rats should be kept below 10^-2 g/kg body weight per hour to avoid systemic effects.