Storage and release of false transmitters after infusion of (+)- and (?)-?-methyldopamine

Rabbits were given an infusion of 10 mg/kg (−)- or 30 mg/kg (+)-α-methyldopamine and killed after 135 min. The noradrenaline content of the heart was decreased to 26±5 and 34±2%, respectively, of the control value. After infusion of the (+)-isomer the missing noradrenaline was replaced by (−)-α-methylnoradrenaline. Electrical stimulation of the sympathetic nerves or infusion of acetylcholine plus atropine caused an output of noradrenaline and (−)-α-methylnoradrenaline from the isolated heart. The two amines were released in the same proportion as they were stored in the heart and the total output of both amines equalled the output of noradrenaline from control hearts. Nerve stimulation caus…