Case against the Use of D-Tubocurarine in Operant Studies of the Cardiovascular System

Abstract

After reviewing evidence showing a high degree of integration between the autonomic and somatic systems, it is shown that d-tubocurarine alters both the central and peripheral perception and response patterns. Many of the observations made upon curarized animals can be explained by a central motor theory. Experimental use of curarine is hindered by the release of histamine in response to administration of curarine. Among other artifacts, curarine-induced release of histamine caused a progressive decrease of pulmonary compliance. When artificial respiration is given to curarized animals, the use of positive pressure ventilation and failure to monitor pulmonary gases are further sources of artifacts. It is noted that some investigators use the respiratory rate initially to adjust heart rate to ptedetermined levels.