[Effect of phentolamine on carotid reflexes induced by acetylcholine]

Acetylcholine was injected into the common carotid artery of 15 mongrel dogs. In the animals with tied internal carotid artery, hyperpnoea, bradycardia and hypotension was observed, and in the animals with free internal carotid artery the hyperphoea was followed by apnoea. The administration of phentolamine provokes a temporary decrease or abolition of the reflexes produced by acetylcholine. This action of the alpha-blocker is due to a local effect because when phentolamine is injected intravenously it does not happen and the reflexes produced by acetylcholine with starting place at the carotid sinus of the opposite side are not affected.