[The effect of the rauwolfia-alkaloids ajmaline, rescinnamine and reserpine on the catecholamine contents of the heart (author's transl)].

The effect of three rauwolfia-alkaloids and two semi-synthetic derivatives on the catecholamine content of the hearts of guinea pigs was examined. The substances were: ajamaline, N-methyl-ajamaline, N-n-propylajmaline, rescinnamine and reserpine. The presence of catecholamines in isolated atria was tested with tyramine (10(-5) g/ml). Rescinnamine and reserpine depleted the hearts of catecholamines, ajmaline and its derivatives did not.