ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHS CHANGES DURING HYPOGLYCEMIA AND ANOXEMIA CORTICAL DEPRESSION AND AUTONOMIC RELEASE

Abstract

The activity of the autonomic nervous system of dogs was studied during hypoglycemia and anoxemia. Electrocardiographic changes showed that in both conditions, an initial transitory sympathetic influence was followed by parasympathetic predominance. This increased activity of the autonomic nervous system was associated with a depressed metabolism of the brain as indicated by diminished cerebral utilization of oxygen. With depression of the brain metabolism, the predominant and ultimate effect on the autonomic nervous system is a release of parasympathetic influence.