The effect of clonidine on plasma MHPG: evidence against tonic alpha 2-adrenoceptor control of noradrenergic function

The effect of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine on plasma free MHPG levels was assessed in 12 normal volunteers. A significant fall in MHPG was produced by 1.5 microgram X kg-1 clonidine IV whereas saline had no effect. The peak fall in MHPG correlated strongly with the area under the curve (AUC). In addition, a strong correlation was seen between basal MHPG and the extent of the clonidine-induced fall. This suggests that plasma MHPG levels are not simply a reflection of central alpha 2-adrenoceptor function and argues against tonic alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibitory control of noradrenergic output.