[Prevention by alpha and beta adrenoreceptor agonists and lithium hydroxybutyrate of injuries to the endothelium of the rabbit aorta induced by catecholamines].

The damage of endothelial cells and intercellular junctions caused by 10 microM epinephrine (E) and 10 microM norepinephrine (NE) has been observed in perfused rabbit aorta. Simultaneous perfusion of the rabbit aorta with E and NE induced marked endothelial injuries at very low drug doses (0.1 microM). Alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor antagonists prevented the development of catecholamine-induced endothelial alterations. Lithium hydroxybutyrate partially prevented endothelial alterations caused by 10 microM epinephrine, but blocked completely morphological injuries caused by simultaneous perfusion of the rabbit aorta with 0.1 microM E and NE.