Effects of nifedipine and Bay-K-8644 on the release of catecholamines from the dog adrenal gland in response to splanchnic nerve stimulation.

1. The effects of nifedipine and Bay-K-8644 on the release of adrenal catecholamines were examined in anaesthetized dogs. 2. Splanchnic nerve stimulation (SNS) at 1 and 3 Hz produced frequency-dependent increases in adrenaline (ADR) and noradrenaline (NA) output determined from adrenal venous blood. 3. Neither nifedipine (10 and 30 micrograms/kg, i.v.) nor Bay-K-8644 (10 and 30 micrograms/kg, i.v.) modified the SNS-induced increases in catecholamine output. Basal catecholamine output tended to be increased and decreased by nifedipine and Bay-K-8644, respectively. 4. Nifedipine produced significant decreases in arterial pressure and renal blood flow rate. Bay-K-8644 produced a significant increase in arterial pressure associated with a decrease in renal blood flow rate. 5. These results suggest that dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels do not play a major role in adrenal catecholamine release evoked by SNS.