Effects of dopamine, dobutamine and phentolamine on middle ear pressure and blood flow in cynomolgus monkeys.

To test the hypothesis that changes in mucosal perfusion could influence gas exchange and thus, middle ear pressure, the effects of systemically administered drugs showing alpha adrenergic effects on mucosal perfusion and middle ear pressure were evaluated in 4 cynomolgus monkeys. Two drugs with well characterized sympathomimetic effects, dopamine and dobutamine, were studied, and dopamine was combined with an antagonist, phentolamine. For each experiment, the monkeys were anesthetized with pentobarbital and followed for a 90 min baseline period. Then, the drug was administered for 60 min with follow-up extending through that period and for an additional 60 min. Data consisted of repeated measurements of rectal temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, left middle ear pressure and right mucosal blood velocity, volume and flow. The results documented an increase in middle ear pressure after intravenous infusion of either dopamine or dobutamine and an attenuation of the response by concurrent administration of phentolamine. Laser Doppler measurements documented a variable, non-directional change in blood volume, velocity and flow. The changes in the middle ear pressure observed following systemic administration of autonomic drugs are consistent with the rapid establishment of a transmucosal pressure gradient secondary to changes in the supply and/or metabolism of gases.