Abstract

When injected into rats, triethyltin causes a release of catecholamines from the brain and adrenal medulla. The norepinephrine content of the heart is not markedly affected but the epinephrine content is increased, the consequence of adrenal release. Spinal cord transection and ganglionic blockade prevent the release of amines from the adrenal medulla without affecting the central catecholamine release, an indication that the adrenal release is centrally mediated. The brain concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine is reduced and the hexobarbital sleeping times prolonged following triethyltin administration. The symptoms of triethyltin poisoning that might result as a consequence of the amine release are discussed.