Abstract
Summary
1. Compression of the coronary vessels and immediately adjacent tissue as descrilml caused pain without exception, sometimes salivation, vomiting in one case, a disturbance of respiration, “acute dilatation” of the heart and various changes in the electrocardiogram. Symptoms have not been produced by localized compression and tearing of the myocardium or pericardium. This may be due to a high threshold of problematical pain endings in the normal cardiac muscle and pericardium.
2. Severance of the vagi has not interfered with transmission of pain impulses in 2 dogs.
3. Removal of the left stellate ganglion has prevented the transmission of pain impulses in 2 dogs but salivation occurrecl in one of the 2.
4. A prompt fall of blood pressure occurred in all acute experiments on compression of the coronary vessels as described. Section of the vagi usually prevented this fall in blood pressure.
5. Fall of blood pressure, cardiac dilatation and cardiac irritability are increased by moderate cyanosis (anoxemia).
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