An electrophysiological study of ganglion blockade by paraquat and diquat

1. The bipyridilium herbicides, particularly paraquat, have chemical and toxicological features in common with the bi-quaternary ammonium ganglion blockers. 2. Paraquat and diquat were tested for ganglion blocking activity. Rabbit cervical ganglia were superfused with both agents and subsequently with hexamethonium to confirm susceptibility to ganglion blockade. 3. No evidence for ganglion blockade was found at either supra maximal or sub maximal stimulation, and none following repetitive stimulation. 4. The similarities and differences between the bipyridyl herbicides and bi-quaternary ganglion blockers can be explained on the basis of their structures. 5. It is concluded that neither paraquat nor diquat have significant ganglion blocking activity.