The effect of dehydroemetine on vascular tissue.

The effect of dehydroemetine on vascular tissues was studied, using the aortic strip of the rabbit, the isolated perfused central ear artery of the rabbit and the perfused hind limb of the cat. Doses from 10(-6) to 10(-5) M inhibited the response of the aortic strip and the perfused ear artery to transmural electrical stimulation. 10(-5) M dehydroemetine completely blocked the response of the aortic strip to transmural stimulation. This dose however, had no significant effect on the response to exogenous noradrenaline and dexamphetamine. Doses ranging from 0.1-3 mg/kg caused transient falls in the perfusion pressure of the cat's hind limb. This fall was not blocked by propranolol, mepyramine nor atropine. It was concluded that the effect of dehydroemetine on vascular tissues was non-specific.