Beta-adrenoceptor stimulating effects of phenylephrine and noradrenaline in the rat pulmonary vascular bed.

The effects of phenylephrine and noradrenaline have been investigated on the perfusion pressure of the rat isolated lung. Both drugs (0.3-30 micrograms) produced a dose-dependent decrease in perfusion pressure elevated by 20 mM KCl, which was reversed to a dose-dependent increase after addition of propranolol (1 x 10(-7) M) to the perfusion fluid. Increments due to both agonists in the presence of propranolol were antagonized by prazosin (1 x 10(-6) M). Propranolol, but not prazosin, elevated the basal perfusion pressure. The results indicate that phenylephrine and noradrenaline are more effective in stimulating beta-adrenoceptors than alpha-adrenoceptors in the rat pulmonary vascular bed and that beta-adrenoceptors may regulate the vascular tone of the rat pulmonary circulation.