THE CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY OF t-BUTYLAMINE

¹ Department of Pharmacology, The University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Of the 8 known aliphatic primary amines below n-pentylamine, only isopropylamine has been shown by previous workers to be principally pressor at conparable dose levels; however, t-butylamine was not tested.

This study has shown that t-BA may be classified as a sympathomimetic amine. Positive inotropie and chronotropic actions of t-BA are largely responsible for the pressor response. The cardiac stimulating sites of action of t-BA are peripheral and not central or ganglionic in origin. Varying decreases in total peripheral resistance were observed during the pressor response. Constrictor and dilator responses occur in the Perfused dog hindquarters subsequent to intra-venoums administration of t-BA while the perfused renal bed constricts. These constrictor responses also contribute to the systemic pressor effect.

The cardiac stimulant and vascular constrictor actions of t-BA appear to be mediated via indirect mechanisms, i.e., release and potentiation of catecholamines. The adrenal medulla and heart are two sources of the released material. t-BA appears to be similar to tyramine in its mechanism of cardiac release of amines.