CURARE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AUTONOMIC REFLEXES

Abstract

Bernard and Langley''s classic physiologic observations that curare causes muscular paralysis and also depresses certain autonomic reflexes were without practical clinical application for many years. Recently similar laboratory expts. confirming their work were followed up with the use of curare in the treatment of hypotension and bradycardia caused by surgical stimulation of the autonomic nerves in anesthetized man with excellent results. Fifteen cases are reported, 7 in detail, using from 40 to 80 units d- tubocurarine intraven. Avg. dosage was 40-50 units. In only 1 case was there no response to the drug. Autonomic reflexes which responded to this treatment include the carotid sinus reflex, the vagal reflex, the celiac plexus reflex, the pelvolaryngeal reflex and the pelvocardiac reflex.