Sympathoadrenal responses during bradycardia-hypotension associated with combined infusion of atrial natriuretic factor and prostaglandin E2.

The adrenergic response to an episode of bradycardia and hypotension associated with atrial natriuretic factor and prostaglandin infusion in a healthy male subject is described. Noradrenaline levels did not change despite a profound fall in blood pressure. In contrast, there was an almost thirty-fold increase in adrenaline levels. This dissociated sympathoadrenal response suggests activation of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex.