The effects of clonidine, a potent α
2 adrenergic agonist and an imidazole/imidazoline receptor agonist, were examined in the cat cerebrovascular system, measuring cerebral oxygen and carbon dioxide tension (BrPo
2, BrPco
2) and arterial blood pressure. Intracarotid injection of clonidine (2 μg/kg) produced a gradual decrease in systemic blood pressure without initial hypertension, while BrPo
2 decreased slightly but significantly. Before and after intracarotid administration of clonidine, cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide was estimated by changes in BrPo
2 and BrPco
2 during and after 3 min inhalation of 5% CO
2. Clonidine significantly enhanced cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide. The data suggest that the α
2-adrenoceptor and/or imidazole/imidazoline receptor play an important role in the regulation of cerebral circulation.
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