Experiments on antagonism of barbiturate anesthesia with adrenergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic stimulants given alone and in combination
Hatch, R.C.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 34(10): 1321-1331
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 4748243 Document Number: 58311
Experiments were carried out in dogs, cats and calves. Stage III-2 anaesthesia induced in dogs with thiopental was reversed in 2-3 minutes by i/v injection of 1 mg d-amphetamine (adrenergic stimulant) and 0.125 mg yohimbine (serotonergic stimulant), and ambulation was restored in 5 minutes. Side effects of the stimulants included an increase in the rate and depth of respiration, tachycardia, hypertension and excitation. The effect was similar in cats, but ambulation was delayed. Pre-anaesthetic administration of atropine had no effect, while morphine and fentanyl droperidol delayed arousal rate by the mixture and predisposed to brachycardia. Acepromazine given before or after thiopental controlled post-anaesthetic excitation. The duration of pentobarbital anaesthesia in dogs was reduced by the stimulant mixture, although the effect was much slower than with thiopental, and calves were only partially aroused.