GANGLION STIMULATING ACTION OF CANDICINE

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Abstract
Pharmacological actions of candicine (maltoxin), with special reference to ganglionic stimulation, were studied. The results were as follows: The ganglionic stimulating property of candicine was demonstrated in experiments in vivo on cat blood pressure, nictitating membrane and respiration, and in experiments in vitro, on guinea-pig ileum, perfused toad heart, and guinea-pig atrium. The hypertension and nictitating membrane contraction in cats caused by candicine were analysed with some pharmacological tools, and were attributed to stimulation of sympathetic ganglia and liberation of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla by the drug. Stimulation of cholinergic ganglia was shown in the isolated guinea-pig intestine, the perfused toad heart preparation and the isolated guinea-pig atrium. Candicine had stimulatory action also on chemoreceptors in the vascular system of cats. Muscarine-like action was found in cat blood pressure experiments, in toad heart preparations and in isolated atria of the guinea-pig. Weak sympathomimetic activity was noticed in experiments on guinea-pig atria and on excised frog eye. The hypotension produced in rabbits by candicine might be ascribed to peripheral action of the drug on the vascular system. LD50 of candicine for intraperitoneal administration was 35 mg/kg. Symptomatology in conscious rabbits is also described. Possible classification of candicine as a ganglionic stimulant is discussed.