Catecholamine assays in a rat model for autonomic dysreflexia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if norepinephrine (NE) levels increased during autonomic dysreflexia (AD) hypertension in spinal cord injured rats.

DESIGN:

Prospective, randomized study of three groups of eight rats that underwent C8 spinal cord transection. Two days postoperatively, catecholamine samples were collected from the animals as follows: group 1 without preoperative chemical sympathectomy using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH DA) or induced AD; group 2 with induced AD; and group 3, preoperative chemical sympathectomy with 6-OH DA and induced AD.

SETTING:

Basic science research laboratory in an academic institution.

PARTICIPANTS:

Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 300g.

INTERVENTION:

Three episodes of induced AD hypertension with bowel distension for 1 minute.

RESULTS:

Results showed a significant difference between groups 1 and 2, 2 and 3, and 1 and 3 (p=.0002, ANOVA, Y1/2, post hoc Tukey). The mean NE levels in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 465+/-400 ng/mL, 1,328+/-1,116 ng/mL, and 31+/-61 ng/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

NE increased during AD in the spinal cord injured rat. NE levels were effectively blocked by 6-OH DA when AD was induced. Knowledge of catecholamine levels in this process may assist in determining both pathophysiology and potential pharmacologic treatment options in future human studies.

• Authors: F Y Chiou-Tan, C S Robertson, G C Chiou
• Journal: Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation (Arch Phys Med Rehabil) Vol. 79 Issue 4 Pg. 402-4 (Apr 1998) ISSN: 0003-9993 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9552105 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Norepinephrine

Topics

• Animals
• Evaluation Studies as Topic
• Male
• Norepinephrine (blood)
• Prospective Studies
• Random Allocation
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Reflex, Abnormal
• Spinal Cord Injuries (blood, complications)
• Sympathectomy, Chemical