Enhancement of barium- and cesium-induced adrenal catecholamine release by lidocaine

Catecholamine release evoked from isolated perfused bovine adrenals by Ba+2 or Cs+ is enhanced by lidocaine or by a calcium-free medium. The action of Cs+ therefore differs from that of K+ or Rb+ in adrenal medulla. Divalent and monovalent metallic cations of relatively large atomic weight like Ba+2 and Cs+, probably penetrate the cell more easily than small highly charged ions and act intracellularly to cause adrenal catecholamine release. Local anesthetics and calcium-free media may allow greater influx of Ba+2 and Cs+ into adrenomedullary cells.