Abstract
Using normal and adrenalectomized mice, the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine on pentothal and barbital anesthesia were investigated.
1. The anesthetic dose of pentothal in normal mice was reduced by simultaneously given 0.3γ per 10g. b. w. of epinephrine, but the duration was not altered.
2. The anesthetic dose of barbital in normal mice was not reduced by simultaneously given 0.3γ per 10g. b. w. of epinephrine, but tended to be reduced by the same dose of norepinephrine.
3. The induction time of barbital anesthesia in normal mice was not affected by 0.3 or 1.0γ per 10g. b. w. of epinephrine or norepinephrine. The duration was not altered by 0.3γ per 10g. b. w. of either of these hormones, but tended to be prolonged by 1.0γ of norepinephrine. In this case pronounced death ensued.
4. The induction time of barbital anesthesia in adrenalectomized mice was not affected by 0.3γ per 10g. b. w. of epinephrine or of norepinephrine. The duration could not be determined, since all the animals in both the control and experimental groups suffered death.
Acknowledgment. The authors wish to express their appreciation for the kindness of Dr. M. L. Tainter, Sterling-Winthrop Research Institute, U. S. A. in supplying epinephrine and norepinephrine.
