Tissue catecholamine and arterial blood pressure changes in non-anaesthetised rats following administration of a new derivative of furanocarboxylic acid with pressor effect.

The effect of a new derivative of furanocarboxylic acid MePAF-4 on the arterial blood pressure, heart rate and the concentration of catecholamines in the brain, heart and adrenals was assessed in non-anaesthetised rats. MePAF-4 was given orally in a single dose of 60 mg/kg (1/30 of LD50)administered during 9 days (at the same daily dose), of injected intravenously in a dose of 10 mg/kg. After intravenous injection MePAF-4 had a significant pressor effect associated with bradycardia but without changes in the tissue concentration of catecholamines. After a single oral dose a slight, transient (60 min) rise of the arterial blood pressure was observed, while the heart rate showed no statistically significant changes. Repeated oral administration of MePAF-4 raised the brain dopamine level and adrenal adrenaline level with simultaneous increase in the weight of these organs. No detectable effects of the long term MePAF-4 administration on the arterial blood pressure and heart rate were observed.