Cocaine synergism with α agonists in rat aorta: computational analysis reveals an action beyond reuptake inhibition.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cocaine has long been known to increase blood pressure, but the degree and mechanism of vasoconstricting action remain poorly understood. Here we examine the interaction between cocaine and alpha-adrenoceptor agonists, with the action of reuptake inhibition minimized.

Methods

Cocaine was administered to isolated rings of rat thoracic aorta, alone and in combination with three different adrenoceptor agonists: phenylephrine, methoxamine, and norepinephrine. Synergy analysis begins with the predicted additive effect of the combination of two agonists, based upon dose equivalence theory. This case where one agonist (cocaine) has no effect when administered alone requires only a t-test to demonstrate that a departure from additivity has occurred.

Results

At dose

SUBMITTER: Lamarre NS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3612562 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature