Effects of reserpine and chlorpromazine on the norepinephrine and epinephrine contents of the adrenal medulla of the juvenile soft‐shelled turtle (Lissemys punctata punctata)

Abstract

Reserpine (0.5 mg/100 g bw) and chlorpromazine (.10 mg/100 bw) were injected singly into juvenile soft‐shelled turtles. These drugs caused depletion of both norepinephrine at 6 hr, elevation at 12 hr (except epinephrine after chlorpromazine treatment) and subsequent depletion at 24 hr after administration. It is suggested that reserpine and chlorpromazine may have a dual action on adrenomedullary hormones and that they appear to act by favouring release with transient phase of resynthesis of these amines in the adrenal medulla of soft‐shelled turtles.

Key words:

• Reserpine
• Chlorpromazine
• Adrenal medulla
• Turtle