Effect of Rauwolscine on the Action of Adrenaline on Blood Pressure

Abstract

RAUWOLSCINE (C₂₁H₂₆O₃N₂), the active principle of Rauwolfia canescens, has been isolated by Chatterjee, and its chemical nature has been studied^1,2. The pharmacology of this alkaloid has recently been investigated by Mukherjee and Sen^3,4. This compound has been found to be hypotensive. I have observed that the intravenous injection of 1 mgm. per kgm. of body weight of rauwolscine completely annuls the action of adrenaline on blood pressure in cats when injected intravenously in 1 c.c. doses of 1 : 100,000, 1 : 50,000, 1 : 20,000 and 1 : 10,000 strengths of adrenaline. This antagonistic action of rauwolscine to adrenaline has also been studied on amphibian and mammalian isolated heart muscles by perfusion technique. The normal amphibian and mammalian hearts are always stopped when perfused with 1 c.c. of 1 : 1,000 of adrenaline (P.D.). These hearts cannot be revived. 1 c.c. of 1 : 20,000 dilution of rauwolscine can, however, check this toxic action of adrenaline on the heart. Rauwolscine cannot counteract the glycogenolytic action of adrenaline. The mechanism of action of rauwolscine against adrenaline is now being investigated in detail.