Effect of azaperone on cardiovascular responsiveness in stress-sensitive pigs

The effect of intramuscular azaperone on the cardiovascular responses to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system was examined in thiopentone-anaesthetized stress-sensitive pigs. Sympathetic stimulation was achieved with the Valsalva-like manoeuvre, and the intravenous tyramine, isoprenaline and phenylephrine tests. The responses were monitored as the changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Azaperone exerted an alpha adrenergic blocking action and possibly a mild beta adrenergic blocking effect. It also retarded pre-adrenoreceptor activation of heart rate. It is suggested that azaperone has peripheral actions which could contribute towards its prophylactic effect in preventing stress-induced deaths in pigs.