Effects of clonidine on central and peripheral catecholamine metabolism.

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Martin PR, Ebert MH, Gordon EK, Linnoila M, Kopin IJ

Effects of clonidine on central and peripheral catecholamine metabolism.

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1984 Mar;35(3):322-7.

PubMed ID

6199153 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; n = 5) and plasma (n = 7) levels of norepinephrine (NE) and its major metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were examined in abstinent normotensive men with alcohol amnestic disorder during placebo and after 2 wk of clonidine treatment (6 or 12 micrograms/kg/day). Clonidine reduced concentrations of NE and both free and total MHPG in CSF and plasma. The CNS contribution to CSF free MHPG also decreased (as estimated from the differential reductions in CSF and plasma levels). Percent reductions in CSF and plasma NE were substantially greater than those for MHPG, suggesting diminished CNS and peripheral NE release and turnover. CSF levels of homovanillic acid (HVA), which is derived solely from CNS dopamine metabolism, rose in each patient, whereas the CSF serotonin metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, did not change. Thus the increase in HVA cannot be attributed to inhibition of acid transport from brain to blood. Changes in central noradrenergic and dopaminergic activity correlated inversely; thus diminished NE release and enhanced dopamine metabolism may both contribute to the effects of clonidine in man.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Pharmaco-metabolomics

Drug	Drug Groups	Metabolite	Change	Description
Clonidine	Approved	3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol	decreased	Clonidine decreases the level of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol in the blood