Pharmacology
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The haemodynamic changes during epidural anaesthesia and following the administration of dihydroergotamine (DHE; 10 micrograms/kg i.v.) were studied in 7 dogs (epidural group). Epidural anaesthesia was associated with reductions in mean arterial, mean pulmonary arterial and mean right atrial pressures. ⋯ In a second group of dogs (control group, n = 8) with intact innervation, i.e. without epidural block, DHE (10 micrograms/kg iv.) also decreased femoral flow and increased femoral resistance which, however, was significantly less pronounced ( p less than 0.01). It is concluded that DHE in epidural anaesthesia constricts arteriolar resistance vessels, mainly within the blocked areas.
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The effects of some ergot derivatives on the electroencephalogram and behavior of laboratory animals (mice, rats, rabbits) have been surveyed. The interference of bromocriptine on the dopaminergic central systems has been studied using behavioral (interference with the effects induced by L-dopa, 5HT, TRF or neuroleptic drugs) and electrophysiological (EEG) methods. While no clear effects of bromocriptine could be evidenced in mice, EEG recordings from the dorsal hippocampus of the rabbit showed a slight disruption of epsilon-waves after administration of 2 mg/kg i.v. of the drug or more.