Procaine amide : to the editor of the British medical journal / [W.D.M. Paton, J.W. Thompson].
- William Paton
- Date:
- [1953?]
Licence: In copyright
Credit: Procaine amide : to the editor of the British medical journal / [W.D.M. Paton, J.W. Thompson]. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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![Reprinted from the British Medical Journal May 2, 1953, vol. i, p. 991 PROCAINE AMIDE [To the Editor of the British Medical Journal] Sir,—Since our attention was drawn some time ago by r. G. E. H. Enderby to the use of procaine amide to ugment the hypotensive action of hexamethonium, .escribed by Dr. A. A. Mason and Dr. J. F. Pelmore ournal, January 31, p. 250), we have investigated some f its pharmacological properties. The action of procaine jmide has usually been discussed with respect to its direct rdiac action. But, since procaine itself is well known to able to interfere with ganglionic transmission, a study the effects of procaine amide on ganglia seemed ecessary. We have found in cats anaesthetized with chloralose: ) that procaine amide in doses of 15 mg./kg. or more 11 cause relaxation of the nictitating membrane excited preganglionic stimulation; (2) that in doses of 15 mg./kg. will paralyse the slowing of the heart to vagal stimula- m ; (3) that in doses of 15-30 mg./kg. it does not lessen : depressor effect of acetylcholine or the pressor effect adrenaline; (4) in doses of 15 mg./kg. or more it .uces the pressor effect of nicotine. In concentration of -50 it reduces the contraction of the guinea-pig’s all intestine to nicotine without affecting its response to tylcholine. These observations indicated that procaine ide can interfere with ganglionic function in three [iglia at least, the superior cervical ganglion and the ;al ganglia of the heart and viscera, without modifying reactions of the effector cells. It remained to determine mechanism of action. procaine amide, 10 mg., injected during perfusion of cat’s superior cervical ganglion caused complete re of transmission and abolished release of acetyl- dine on preganglionic nerve stimulation. With the fused ganglion, procaine amide antagonized the lulant effect *of acetylcholine on the ganglion. Using electrical recording of ganglion action potentials, Icaine amide was found to be able to reduce these tJ>6/53](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b30633692_0001.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
