Abstract
We have evaluated the effect of benzodiazepine antagonist "Flumazenil" by observing swallowing reflexes.
Swallowing reflexes were induced by the injection of distilled water into the epipharynx, and recorded as electromyogram (EMG) of geniohyoid muscle. Their latent time, height of the integrated EMG activity and the number of swallows were evaluated between the two groups, namely, flumazenil group and control group.
Compared with the control group, latent time returned to its preinduction value with Flumazenil. But EMG activity was depressed as much as the control group. Number of swallows increased after Flumazenil administration.
Swallowing reflexes observed after the administration of Flumazenil were qualita-tively different from those of the control group clinical importance of the fact is yet to be followed, but there seemed a need for close watch after the arousal by Flumazenil.
