[Effect of nimodipine on plasma catecholamines and perioperative endocrine stress parameters]

The influence of nimodipine on plasma-catecholamines, ADH, ACTH and cortisol during standardized, modified neurolept-anaesthesia was investigated in 20 patients for major abdominal and thoracic surgery. The application of nimodipine led to an intra- and postoperative increase in both adrenaline and noradrenaline. No influence could be demonstrated on ADH, ACTH or cortisol. Group-levels of MAP were lower in the nimodipine-group. No statistical differences became obvious for HR, glucose, lactate and free glycerol. The increases in adrenaline and noradrenaline can be attributed to a cardiocirculatory rebound-phenomenon due to the vasodilative properties of the substance. Under the conditions of adequate fentanylanalgesia, no influence of nimodipine on ADH, ACTH or cortisol was found.