1. The effects of coitus on heart rate, blood pressure and plasma concentration of noradrenaline were studied in six male rabbits.
2. During coitus, heart rate rose from 228 ± 6 to 324 ± 8 beats/min (mean ± sem; n = 24). Mean blood pressure rose from 87 ± 3 to 165 ± 4 mmHg, and plasma concentration of noradrenaline from 2.07 ± 0.21 to 5.02 ± 0.26 nmol/l. The maximum heart rate did not occur until after the peak in blood pressure.
3. Propranolol had no effect on the power expended during coitus, but there was a dose dependent fall in the changes in heart rate, blood pressure and plasma concentration of noradrenaline.
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© 1980 The Biochemical Society and the Medical Research Society
1980
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