Effects of catecholamines on cardiovascular response and blood flow distribution to normal tissue and liver tumors in rats.

The effects of infusion of adrenaline and noradrenaline were studied in rats with intrahepatic tumors, using 99mTc-and 51Cr-labeled microspheres. The effect on general circulation, cardiac output, and tissue blood flow was pronounced, especially with infusion of noradrenaline. Studies of liver tumor perfusion in relation to surrounding liver parenchyma perfusion showed an increased tumor/liver ratio in noradrenaline-infused rats, thus indicating a preferential blood flow to the tumors induced by this drug. Adrenaline as well as 0.9% NaCl solution infusion had no effect on tumor/liver blood flow ratios. Fluorescence microscopy and monoamine determination could not reveal any noradrenaline containing nerves in the liver tumors. These experiments might suggest that the effect of intraarterial infusion with cytostatic agents might be enhanced by a simultaneously administered vasoconstrictor such as noradrenaline.