Adrenal epinephrine and norepinephrine content following denervation and barbiturates,

The concentration of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the adrenal gland of the dog is comparable in the left and right glands. Denervation of the left adrenal gland does not decrease the levels of these adrenal catecholamines three weeks after denervation. These findings are in keeping with the concept that catecholamine biosynthesis by the adrenal gland is not dependent on adrenal innervation. Other evidence supporting this concept is reviewed.In contrast to prevailing opinion we have found that the catecholamine content of adrenal glands obtained from conscious dogs is comparable to that in animals with general barbiturate anesthesia.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/33190/1/0000578.pd