The anti-inflammatory effect of catecholamines in the peritoneal cavity and hind paw of the mouse.

1. Carrageenin or 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced oedema of the mouse hind paw was antagonized by catecholamines acting on both alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors.2. Increased permeability of the mouse peritoneum induced by the local injection of acetic acid or pro-inflammatory mediators was antagonized by catecholamines acting predominantly on beta-adrenoceptors.3. The anti-inflammatory effect of catecholamines was due neither to hyperglycaemia nor to the release of adrenal cortical hormones.