Carotid Body Responses to Administration of Almitrine Bismesylate

Abstract

Almitrine bismesylate (Vectarion) differs from most other drugs which stimulate carotid chemoreceptors in that its chemoexcitatory effect is not only marked but also prolonged. However, the mechanisms employed by this drug to excite chemoreceptors have yet to be elucidated. In the current investigation we attempted to ascertain if catecholaminoceptors or cholinoceptors in the carotid body are involved in the chemoexcitation induced by almitrine and, also further extended our studies on the effects of this agent on venous outflow from the organ (O’Regan, Majcherczyk and Przybyszewski, 1983). Additionally a preliminary study on the effects of almitrine on carotid body ultrastructure was undertaken. Finally, the effects, if any, of almitrine on systemic arterial and airway mechanoreceptors were studied.