Inhibition of the cardiovascular effects of acupuncture (moxibustion) by phentolamine in dogs during halothane anesthesia

Abstract

The cardiovascular effects of acupuncture, moxibustion by electrocautery, at Jen Chung (Go-26) and phentolamine (0.1 mg/kg-i.v.) alone were compared to phentolamine (0.1 mg/kg-i.v.) prior to moxibustion at Go-26 in groups of ten dogs under 0.75 percent halothane anesthesia. Cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, total peripheral resistance, pH, PaCO2, PaO2 and base deficit were measured over a two hour period. A significant increase (5% level) in cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure and a significant decrease in total peripheral resistance were observed following acupuncture, moxibustion with electrocautery, at Jen Chung (Go-26) in dogs under halothane anesthesia. These effects were inhibited by pretreatment with the alpha blocking agent, phentolamine (0.1 mg/kg-i.v.). The cardiovascular effects of phentolamine (0.1 mg/kg-i.v.) alone were similar to those of dogs in which phentolamine was administered prior to moxibustion.