- Reserpine inhibits the
function of postganglionic adrenergic neurons,
thus inhibiting sympathetic function.
- Reserpine binds to noradrenergic
storage vesicles in central and peripheral
sympathetic nerve terminals.
- Storage vesicles become
nonfunctional as a result of interacting
with reserpine and lose the ability to
store and concentrate norepinephrine
(N.E.) and dopamine.
- N.E. and dopamine leaking
from vesicles are enzymatically destroyed
in the cytoplasm and as a consequence
little transmitter is released upon nerve
ending depolarization.
- Depletion of transmitter
in both the central and peripheral nervous system
suggest that both sites by be important mediators
of the antihypertensive response.
- Chronic adrenergic
neuronal blockade by reserpine results in a
reduction of cardiac output and peripheral
vascular resistance.
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