Forty young male adults, aged 18-30 yr, with maximal oxygen intake (VO2 max) varying between 35 and 76 ml-kg-1-min-1 were studied. The fasting subjects were perfused for 15 min with saline and thereafter for 30 min with norepinephrine (0.1 mug/kg per min). Blood variables were determined at the end of slaine perfusion, at 15 and 30 min during norepinephrine perfusion and 15 min after the end of NE perfusion. Trained subjects are characterized by lower basal plasma glucose and insulin concentration. NE perfusion produced a larger increase in plasma glucose in the trained subjects. Levels of insulin in the postperfusion period were smaller in the trained group. Serum free fatty acids (FFA) and glycerol increased less in the trained subjects during NE perfusion and this difference persisted in the post-perfusion period. During NE perfusion, blood lactate increased only in the nontrained subjects. Initial heart rate and blood pressure were lower in trained subjects but, during NE perfusion, elevated levels of blood pressure and decreased levels of heart rate were comparable in both groups. Because of similarities in responses to exercise and to NE in trained subjects, the results of the present study suggest a possible role for NE in exercise training.