[The effect of etilefrine and dihydroergotamine on sympathetic nervous system activity when standing up (author's transl)].

Systolic blood pressure, heart rate and concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine as well as plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) were measured in 22 subjects in recumbency and on standing up. Six subjects each had previously been given intravenously dihydroergotamine (0.5 mg) or etilefrine (0.25 mg/min) or a placebo. It was demonstrated that orthostasis leads to an increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal system. After administration of dihydroergotamine there was a diminished reaction of the sympathetic nervous system with an increase of venous tone which counteracted the decrease in cardiac output. Etilefrine, on the other hand, inhibited the sympatho-adrenal reaction on orthostasis and decreased the liberation of adrenaline. It acts directly via stimulation of alpha-and beta-receptors and is thus predominantly indicated if there is insufficient response of the baroreceptor reflex at its efferent limb.