Abstract

Mephentermine, a synthetic sympathomimetic amine, significantly increased cerebral oxygen utilization by 24 per cent when effective pressor doses were administered intravenously to normal subjects. Cerebral blood flow and vascular resistance were not markedly altered.

Comparison of the structure of the four sympathomimetic amines whose effects on the cerebral circulation and metabolism have been studied suggests that modification of their chemical structure might result in a more nearly ideal pressor substance.