Early increase in adrenomedullary catecholamine synthesis in sinoaortic denervated rats.

Adrenomedullary catecholamines (dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline) and catecholamine synthesizing enzymes (tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase) were elevated within 3 days of sinoaortic denervation in rats with neurogenic hypertension. Conversely, there were no differences in adrenomedullary catecholamines and their related enzymes 21 days after sinoaortic denervation. These results suggest an activation of adrenomedullary catecholamine synthesis at the onset of neurogenic hypertension.