Effects of choline 2:6-xylyl ether bromide upon the suprarenal medulla of the rat

Abstract

The administration of choline 2:6-xylyl ether bromide (TM 10) daily to rats for two weeks depletes the suprarenals of about one-half their normal content of adrenaline and noradrenaline. This depletion has been demonstrated histologically and by colorimetric and biological estimation of the amines present in extracts of the glands. Treatment with TM 10 causes similar histological signs of depletion in autografts of adrenal chromaffin tissue in the rat iris. Restoration of catechol amines in rat suprarenals, previously depleted by TM 10, occurs slowly and appears to be complete 14 days after withdrawing the drug. These results, considered in conjunction with the estimated rate of turnover of catechol amines in the rat suprarenal, lend support to the view that TM 10 may interfere with the biosynthesis of these amines.