Effects of low pH on synthesis and release of catecholamines in the cat carotid body in vitro.

The rates of dopamine and noradrenaline synthesis in the cat carotid body (c.b.) are 5.9 +/- 0.58 pmol/c.b./2 h and 0.3 +/- 0.02 pmol/c.b./2 h, respectively. The synthesis is doubled when the organs are incubated at pH 7. Similarly, low pH induces a release of dopamine from the c.b. which is proportional to increased activity in the carotid sinus nerve.