INFLUENCE OF AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ON EXCRETION OF CATECHOLAMINES AND METABOLITES

The study demonstrates the influence of ambient temperature on the excretion of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and their major metabolites. As a result of this work it is concluded that norepinephrine secretion increases in a cold environment and decreases during moderate warm exposure. Heat stress, 36 C, however, increases norepinephrine excretion. The rate of norepinephrine synthesis is inversely proportional to the ambient temperature and in three instances in our experiments the quantity of amine formed was not related to the amount secreted. It is thus concluded that the rate of norepinephrine synthesis is dependent, at least partially, on the ambient temperature and can dissociate itself from the rate of norepinephrine secretion. (Author)