Endocrinology · 1939 · 12 citations · 0 references
MedicineNeurosciencePharmacologyExperimental PharmacologyNeuropharmacologyPsychopharmacologyAutonomic Nervous SystemAutonomic Nervous System PharmacologyBrain Energy MetabolismHypoglycemia ManagementAutonomic Nervous System DysfunctionAutonomic Nervous System EffectsCardiac Activity AssessmentElectrocardiographic ChangesHeart RateHypoglycemia Effects On The BrainHypoglycemic ComaProtamine Administration
DURING THE insulin and metrazol treatments of schizophrenia, evidences of overactivity of the autonomic nervous system have been observed, that is, changes in heart rate, salivation and perspiration (i). It is probable that these treatments affect the metabolism of the brain (2). Since autonomic centers are located in the brain, it becomes important to correlate the peripheral function of the autonomic nervous system with cerebral metabolism. Cardiac activity accurately reflects changes in the autonomic nervous system which can be easily detected by the use of the electrocardiograph. For this reason, electrocardiographic changes were correlated with those of cerebral metabolism during hypoglycemia and acute anoxemia induced by various agents. Hypoglycemia was produced in 5 dogs in post-absorptive condition by injection of protamine sine insulin the night before the experiment and standard insulin on the following day in doses adequate to produce coma and marked slowing of the heart rate.