European journal of pharmacology
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It has been reported that metformin reduces blood pressure although the mechanisms have not been described. Indeed, several mechanisms could be implicated including the interaction with α-adrenoceptors or inhibition of sympathetic outflow. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the capability of metformin to block the vasopressor responses induced by α1/2-adrenoceptor agonists or selective electrical stimulation of sympathetic outflow. ⋯ Metformin practically did not block the tachycardic responses to noradrenaline except at the dose of 3μg/kg. Taken together, these results demonstrate that metformin is capable to block vascular α1/2-adrenoceptors but not cardiac β-adrenoceptors. Thus, this mechanism could contribute, at least in part, on the hypotensive responses induced by metformin.