Role of the Vagus Nerve in the Antidysrhythmic Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Halothane/Epinephrine Dysrhythmias in Dogs

Abstract

Abstract Background Dexmedetomidine, an alpha2-adrenergic agonist, can prevent the genesis of halothane/epinephrine dysrhythmias through the central nervous system. Because stimulation of alpha2adrenoceptors in the central nervous system enhances vagal neural activity and vagal stimulation is known to inhibit digitalis-induced dysrhythmias, dexmedetomidine may exert the antidysrhythmic property through vagal stimulation. To address this hypothesis, the effect of dexmedetomidine in vagotomized dogs was examined and compared with that in intact dogs. In addition, the effect of vagotomy on the antidysrhythmic action of doxazosin, an alpha1antagonist, was studied.