Fig. 1.
Responses of femoral blood flows and vascular conductances to ketamine, vecuronium, NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), and hexamethonium (hexameth). After isoflurane was discontinued and ketamine and vecuronium were given, flows and conductances decreased (*P < 0.01). l-NAME administration to block nitric oxide (NO) synthesis slightly reduced flows (not significant) and conductances further, which then doubled when the ganglion blocking agent hexamethonium was given (**P < 0.001). The results indicate femoral blood flow is under strong sympathetic control in anesthetized sheep. Open symbols show the ipsilateral leg, and closed symbols show the contralateral leg. The time interval covered is about 45 to 60 min. Mean values are ± SE.