Abstract
Amyl nitrite was injected into the femoral artery, while the flow in the corresponding vein was being measured by a stromuhr. The resulting dilation of the capillaries betrayed itself by a marked increase in the flow and a corresponding rise in venous pressure. The arterial pressure recorded in the opposite femoral artery was not affected if the reaction remained confined to the area of the leg.
When the amyl nitrite was administered by inhalation or when the drug was injected into central venous channels, the venous bloodflow exhibited a decrease in accordance with the loss in arterial tonicity. The venous pressure did not undergo a material change during the period of arterial depression.
Inhalations of amyl nitrite were also resorted to, while the leg was being perfused with defibrinated blood. As in this case no alterations in the quantity of the perfusing liquid could be obtained, the experiment favors the view that amyl nitrite exerts a peripheral and not a central effect.
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