Influence of intravenously administered catecholamines on cerebral oxygen consumption and blood flow in the rat

In order to study effects of catecholamines on cerebral oxygen consumption (CMRo2) and blood flow (CBF), rats maintained on 75% N2O and 25% O2 were infused i.v. with noradrenaline (2, 5, or 8 microgram.kg-1.min-1) or adrenaline (2 or 8 microgram.kg-1.min-1) for 10 min before CBF and CMRo2 were measured. In about 50% of animals infused with 2--8 microgram.kg-1.min-1 of noradrenaline, CMRo2 (and CBF) rose. However, there was no dose-dependent response, and CMRo2 did not exceed 150% of control. The effects of noradrenaline in a dose of 5 microgram.kg-1.min-1 on CMRo2 and CBF were blocked by propranolol (2.5 mg.kg-1). In animals infused with adrenaline (8 microgram.kg-1.min-1) CMRo2 was doubled and, in many, CBF rose 4- to 6-fold. It is concluded that, when given in sufficient amounts, catecholamines have pronounced effects on cerebral metabolism and blood flow, the effects of adrenaline on CMRo2 and CBF resembling those observed in status epilepticus.