Effect of phencyclidine (PCP) on blood pressure and catecholamine levels in discrete brain nuclei.

PCP (10 mg/kg, s.c.) causes hypertension that is associated with decrease or tendency to decrease the levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the hypothalamus and the brainstem regions. If this represents a decreased catecholaminergic activity, then this may enhance sympathetic activity and contribute to the PCP-induced hypertension.