Effect of Electronarcosis on Level of “Adrenalin-like” Compounds in Blood

Abstract

Discussion and Summary

There is reason to believe that when asphyxiation is prevented electronarcosis causes only small increases of the level of adrenalin-like compounds in blood. It had been found previously¹¹ when one of two rabbits connected by a double carotid-jugular anastomosis was given an asphyxia-free electronarcosis, that the blood pressure in the other showed a slight increase. This was believed to be dlue to a release of adrenalin. which in the present experiments may cause the slight rise in the level of “adrenalin-like” compounds during asphyxia-free electro-narcosis. It seems likely that the much larger increase of these compounds which is always present in animals subjected to electro-narcosis without further precautions, is caused by asphyxiation.

Kobro¹² did not observe any effect of respiratory impairment (letting the animal breathe through a tightly woven cloth) on the adrenalin level. The impairment employed in the present experiments, though of shorter duration, was more severe (clamping of the trachea), which may account for the difference in the results obtained.