Publications

Abstract

The role of central vs. peripheral actions of clonidine was investigated in the rat following the separate and combined administration of clonidine and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG). Clonidine or 2-DG alone stimulated serum glucose and corticosterone but hypothalamic noradrenaline neuronal activity and ACTH release were stimulated by 2-DG only. The stimulation of noradrenaline neuronal activity and ACTH by 2-DG were totally blocked by clonidine. It was concluded that the increases in serum glucose and corticosterone after clonidine administration were not mediated by central effects but that alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonism by clonidine was responsible for inhibition of hypothalamic noradrenaline neuronal activity and pituitary ACTH release.