Abstract
Summary
Benzyl-imidazoline given intravenously effectively increased the rate of blood flow to the periphery in normal individuals and in certain patients with arteriosclerotic obliterative disease. The volume change of the digits following venous occlusion and the skin temperatures were augmented to a greater degree in the lower estremities than in the upper. The amplitude of pulsation showed less change than did the skin temperature or volume changes of the digits.
The greatest rise in temperature was seen in the toes. The temperature of the skin of the calf, subcutaneous tissues, and deep muscle of the calf showed a decreasing temperature effect in the order shown. The rectal temperature and temperature of the forehead showed the least change.
Benzyl-imidazoline was not effective in raising the skin temperature of the foot, forehead, or hand after indirect heating of one arm.
Benzyl-imidazoline shock was seen on 2 occasions.
The action of benzyl-imidazoline is complex, and the increased flow to the extremities may result from a combination of effects including peripheral vasodilatation, and, possibly, cardiac stimulation.
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