Noradrenaline is a catecholamine and the cornerstone treatment for the improvement of
hemodynamic parameters in septic shock. Catecholamines exert profound immunomodulatory
effects. Noradrenaline in vitro inhibits LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production,
however, the actions on immune function in vivo have not been assessed. Furthermore, effects
on the immune system of viable vasopressor alternatives for the treatment of septic patients,
namely phenylephrine and vasopressin, need to be established in humans in vivo.