Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2016
Misleading cause of acute arterial insufficiency: ergotamine intoxication. Case report
J B Sintenie1, W E Tuinebreijer, R W Kreis
1Department of Surgery, Red Cross Hospital, Beverwijk, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
In a woman arteriographically indicated spasm of the iliac, femoral and popliteal arteries did not respond to intra-arterial tolazoline. At operation groin pulsations were normal. Bilateral lumbar sympathectomy was performed. Subsequently it emerged that she had been using ergotamine. Surgery could have been avoided if nitroprusside had been given.
Related Concept Videos
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
At the neuromuscular junction, these agents work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing it to remain bound to the receptor and bind to nearby receptors. This process leads to repetitive firing of the endplate, causing muscle...
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

