Effect of Tetraethylammonium Chloride on Mammalian Skeletal Muscle Action

Abstract

Tetraethylammonium chloride (TEAC) injd. into the femoral artery of anesthetized dogs diminished the contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle stimulated through its motor nerve. The diminution was greater the larger the dose. Contraction in response to direct stimulation of the muscle was increased with small doses of TEAC and decreased with large doses. No effect was produced by soaking the nerve in TEAC. Injn. of TEAC into the brachial artery of unanesthetized humans produced varying degrees of paralysis of the muscles of the forearm on the injd. side. All observed effects of TEAC were completely reversible.