Abstract
Apnea and inhibition of the rhythmic contractions of the small intestine are shown to be reflex responses to injections of veratridine into the superior mesenteric artery of the anesthetized dog.
Acetylcholine and nicotine are also capable of eliciting thsese reflexes, whereas epinephrine, isoproterenol and sodium cyanide are not.
The reflex responses have their sole afferent pathway in the splanchnic nerves.
The hypothesis is advanced that the sensory nerve-endings being stimulated are the terminations of fibers subserving the sensation of pain.
Footnotes
- Received June 16, 1958.