Noradrenaline: Central inhibitory control of blood pressure and heart rate

Abstract

Noradrenaline injected bilaterally into the brainstem in the area of the nucleus tractus solitarii decreased systemic arterial blood pressure and heart rate of anesthetized rats. The effect of noradrenaline was prevented by a preceding injection of the α-adrenergic blocking agent phentolamine, at the same site. The results suggest an inhibitory role of an α-adrenoceptor in the area of the nucleus tractus solitarii in the central control of blood pressure.