Neuromyal blocking action of mescaline
American Journal of Physiology-Legacy Content – June 01, 1961
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Mescaline can induce partial or complete paralysis in dogs, demonstrating its significant impact on neuromuscular function. In experiments with 20 dog neuromuscular preparations, mescaline and curare worked together to enhance muscle depression under indirect stimulation. Interestingly, after complete paralysis from mescaline, muscles remained responsive to direct stimulation. Following chronic denervation, contractions did not immediately weaken with mescaline administration. Notably, substances like adrenaline, KCl, and prostigmine were effective in counteracting mescaline's paralyzing effects, highlighting its specific action within the neuromuscular complex.
Abstract
The close intra-arterial injection of mescaline in adequate doses causes partial or complete paralysis in the dog neuromuscular preparation. Mescaline and curare tend to supplement one another with respect to their depressant actions on indirectly stimulated skeletal muscle. After complete blockade with mescaline, the muscle can readily be activated by direct stimulation. Following chronic denervation, the directly stimulated muscle fails to show an immediate depression of contractions when mescaline is administered. Adrenaline, KCl and prostigmine can oppose the paralyzing action of mescaline. The site of action of mescaline in producing paralysis is localized in the neuromuscular complex.