Effect of Sympathetic Stimulation, Epinephrine and Phentolamine on Recovery from Induced Hypocalcemia

Effects of electrical stimulation of the superior ganglion of the cervical sympathetic trunk and the administration of epinephrine or phentolamine on the expected time of recovery (ETR) from hypocalcemia induced by oxalate infusion were studied. The recovery was significantly faster in animals in which the superior cervical ganglion was electrically stimulated than in intact animals. Some acceleration of the recovery was also observed upon epinephrine administration, while the administration of phentolamine resulted in a retarded recovery. Effects of sympathetic stimulation and epinephrine administration were absent in thyroparathyroidectomized dogs. Sympathetic-parasympathetic antagonism in the regulation of the parathyroid function is suggested. (Endocrinology76: 58, 1965)