Abstract
The tocolytic agent R is used to prevent premature labor by direct effects (β-agonist) upon uterine smooth muscle. The pharmacology of R is much like the CA epinephrine(EPI)in its metabolic effects. Since R is EPI-like,the effects on pup adrenal CA content was investigated by delivering to the Dam pharmacologic R (13.8 mg/M2/hr),by subcutaneous osmotic mini-pump on days 15-21 gestation. Control Dams were identical to R treated except pumps contained saline. On day 21 pups were taken by C-section and adrenals were immediately processed for CA analysis by high perform ance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The EPI was significantly reduced (↓28%) in the R treated group; no effects were seen in dopamine(DA)or norepinephrine(NE)content.
The decreased adrenal EPI content is most likely due to either displacement of EPI by R and/or an inhibition of EPI synthesis. The mechanism and ramifications of R's effect on pup adrenal EPI content remain to be established.
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Zeller, W., Hannigan, J., Menendez, C. et al. THE EFFECT OF MATERNAL RITODRINE (R) TREATMENT UPON RAT PUPS ADRENAL CATECHOLAMINE (CA) CONTENT. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 163 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00421
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00421