SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE SUITABILITY OF AMYTAL AS AN ANESTHETIC FOR LABORATORY ANIMALS

¹ From the Institute of Physiology, The University, Glasgow, Scotland

1. In cats subcutaneous, intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of Amytal diminishes or obliterates the usual inhibitory effect on the heart of stimulating the peripheral ends of the cut vagi nerves. To bring about this effect a greater dosage of the drug is required when given subcutaneously or intraperitoneally than when given intravenously.

2. In the rabbit the inhibition of the normal vagus effect under Amytal is much more transient than in cats.

3 Amytal lowers blood pressure and has a toxic effect on the heart.

4. In the large bowel, at least, the inactivity of the gut during Amytal anesthesia cannot be referred wholly to a paralysing action of Amytal on the parasympathetic nervous system.