Effect of acetylcholine on cerebral circulation

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Abstract
Effects of intravertebral, intracarotid and i.v. infusion of acetylcholine on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and metabolism were studied in 17 baboons [Papio anubis] anesthetized with pentobarbital. CBF was measured by the bilateral jugular venous outflow technique using 2 electromagnetic flowmeters. Effect of acetylcholine infusion on cerebral vascular response to hypercapnia was also assessed. Intravertebral infusion of acetylcholine (0.01 mg/kg per min) increased CBF by 27% and cerebral metabolic rate for O2 by 19% and decreased cerebral vascular resistance by 25%. On intracarotid injection of acetylcholine, only an 8% increase in CBF was observed, and i.v. infusion produced no change in the parameters observed. Acetylcholine administered by any of the 3 routes did not enhance the CBF response to hypercapnia. Increase in CBF on intravertebral administration of acetylcholine was associated with an arousal effect and an increase in cerebral metabolism.