POSTGANGLIONIC SYMPATHETIC DISCHARGE AND THE EFFECT OF INHALATION ANAESTHETICS

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Postganglionic cardiac, carotid, and hypogastric sympathetic activity was recorded before and during administration of inhalation anaesthetics, in rabbits ventilated with oxygen and given gallamine. During control periods, when light anaesthesia was maintained with pentobarbitone, changes in postganglionic sympathetic discharge preceded, or responded to, alterations in arterial pressure. Postganglionic activity was increased by cyclopropane, which raised arterial pressure; by ether, which produced more variable circulatory changes; and usually by halothane, which lowered arterial pressure. Occasional sympathetic units, identified on film, showed partial inhibition during halothane anaesthesia.