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. 1971 Feb;213(1):107–117. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.1971.sp009371

Site of adrenaline blockade in the superior cervical ganglion of the rabbit

D D Christ, S Nishi
PMCID: PMC1331726  PMID: 4324983

Abstract

1. The blocking action of adrenaline on the superior cervical ganglion of the rabbit was investigated with intracellular recording techniques.

2. Adrenaline (10-5 M) blocked initiation of post-synaptic action potentials and decreased the amplitude of excitatory post-synaptic potentials (e.p.s.p.s), but did not hyperpolarize the post-synaptic membrane.

3. The depressant action of adrenaline was antagonized by phenoxy-benzamine and dihydroergotamine.

4. Acetylcholine depolarizations from iontophoretic ACh were not affected by adrenaline.

5. Adrenaline decreased the frequency of miniature excitatory post-synaptic potentials (m.e.p.s.p.s) and decreased the quantal content of e.p.s.p.s in a low [Ca2+]: [Mg2+] media.

6. It was concluded that adrenaline blocks ganglionic transmission by acting at an alpha-adrenoceptive site in the presynaptic nerve terminals.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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