Inhibition of catecholamine release by tolbutamide and other sulfonylureas.

Tolbutamide and other sulfonylureas inhibited spontaneous and nicotine-induced release of catecholamines from the perfused cat adrenal gland and nicotine-induced release of [3-H]norepinephrine from isolated guinea pig hearts. Of the sulfonylureas tested, the order to potency of this inhibitory effect paralled the hypoglycemic action. These results raise the possibility that the inhibition of the sympathoadrenal system may contribute in part to the hypoglycemic action of sulfonylureas.