Further Characterization of Central Effects of Reserpine (Serpasil)

Abstract

Reserpine counteracts the manifestation of sham rage in cats. The blood pressure rise after diencephalic stimulation of anesthetized cats was not decreased after reserpine, whereas the carotid occlusion reflex was inhibited. Together with the information available from the literature these experiments support the theory that reserpine causes a central block or inhibition of afferent impulses which normally stimulate the sympathetic activity rather than a direct depression of diencephalic sympathetic centers.