pentolinium suppression test

Last reviewed 07/2021

In a pentolinium suppression test 2.5mg of pentolinium is given i.v. and plasma samples at 0, 10 and 20 minutes assayed for adrenaline and noradrenaline. Pentolinium, a ganglion blocking drug, inhibits release of adrenaline and noradrenaline from adrenergic nerves and the adrenal medulla but fails to inhibit release from tumours which lack a preganglionic nerve supply.