The role of adrenoreceptors in the regulation of oxytocin and vasopressin release after superior cervical ganglionectomy.

In male rats under anaesthesia, dialysis of the venous blood from sella turcica region was carried out. Vasopressin and oxytocin content was determined in the dialysates by radioimmunoassay. The obtained results indicate that: 1. Electrical stimulation of the superior cervical ganglion causes an increase in vasopressin and oxytocin release. 2. 20 days after superior cervical ganglionectomy the vasopressin and oxytocin release increased. 3. Superior cervical ganglionectomy immediately before the dialysis evoked a several times increase in vasopressin and oxytocin release. 4. Application of alpha1-blocker, prazosin, as well beta-blocker, propranolol, has partially prevented the increase in vasopressin release which was found immediately after superior cervical ganglionectomy. 5. Contrary to vasopressin, the increase in oxytocin release after superior cervical ganglionectomy is completely prevented by the beta-blocker, propranolol, and only partially by the alpha1-blocker, prazosin.