The central action of various arecaidine esters (arecoline derivatives) on blood pressure and heart rate in the cat. Comparison with the peripheral effects.

The central action of various arecaidine esters (arecoline derivatives) on the cardiovascular system has been studied. Central injection of these cholinergic drugs into the vertebral artery of the cat gives rise to a hypotensive effect, whereas heart rate is not affected. It is concluded that the blood pressure lowering effect is brought about by stimulating central muscarinic receptors. Moreover, the experimental results indicate that the central muscarinic receptors behave in the same way towards their agonists as do the peripheral muscarinic receptors.