Effects of ganglionic blockade and adrenalectomy on the cardio-respiratory response to cow's urine concoction in rats
Oyebola, D.D.; Ariwodola, J.O.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 13(1-2): 61-70
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0309-3913 PMID: 6087641 Document Number: 233881
The cardio-respiratory effects of cow's urine concoction (CUC) were studied in anesthetized normal, hexamethonium-treated and adrenalectomized rats. An early response characterized by a transient depressor effect followed by a more sustained pressor effect was shown. This was followed by a late depressor response. Hypotension was most marked in the adrenalectomized group. The cardio-respiratory effects of CUC in the normal and hexamethonium-treated groups were milder than in the adrenalectomized group. Animals in these 2 groups survived the effects of CUC better than the adrenalectomized animals. The response of shamoperated controls showed that the greater effects of CUC in the latter group were not the sequelae of surgical intervention. Further investigation revelaed that the secretion of catecholamines from the adrenal glands is indispensable in the resistance of the animals to the toxic effects of CUC. It was also established that in CUC-induced death, respiratory failure precedes circulatory failure. Failures of both respiration and circulation were the causes of death from CUC. [Implications with respect to CUC poisoning in children are presented].