Inhibition of respiratory neural discharges by clonidine and 5-hydroxytryptophan

D. R. McCrimmon, P. M. Lalley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

Activation of receptors for norepinephrine or serotonin in the central nervous system by i.v. injection of clonidine (10-50 μg/kg) or 5-hydroxytryptophan (20-40 mg/kg) inhibits phrenic neural discharges in anesthetized, artificially ventilated cats. Clonidine induces a rapid and complete inhibition of phrenic nerve activity which lasts for 1 to 3.2 hr. The inhibition is prevented by prior administration of phenoxybenzamine (10 mg/kg) or tolazoline (3 mg/kg). 5-Hydroxytryptophan, injected after inhibition of peripheral amino acid decarboxylase (carbidopa, 30-50 mg/kg), elicits a gradual but complete inhibition of phrenic nerve discharges which persists for 1 to 10 hr and is unaltered by alpha or beta adrenoceptor blocking agents. The inhibitions produced by clonidine and 5-hydroxytryptophan are overcome transiently during hypercapnia. Stimulation of carotid body chemoreceptors by i.a. injections of lobeline, doxapram or 0.015 N HCl in saline also briefly reinstates phrenic nerve discharges after inhibition by clonidine. Inhibition is also overcome during electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus nerve.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)771-777
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Volume222
Issue number3
StatePublished - 1982

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

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