BLOOD FLOW AND BLOOD PRESSURE RESPONSES TO MANDIBULAR NERVE BLOCKING AGENTS

¹ Department of Physiology, College of Dentistry, and Graduate Research Institute, Baylor University, Dallas, Texas

1. Control blood flow, blood pressure, and peripheral resistance have been determined in the mandibular artery of mongrel dogs.

2. Blocking agents procaine, lidocaine, Pontocaine, and Nupercaine applied directly to the mandibular nerve produced marked vasodilation and a decrease in peripheral resistance, but no significant changes in blood pressure.

3. Application of normal saline to the exposed nerve produced slight vasoconstriction, with a higher PRU, and a lower volume flow, but with no appreciable changes in blood pressure.

4. Section of the mandibular nerve produced vasodilation, lower PRU, and greater volume blood flow, without lowering blood pressure.

5. Experimental evidence is presented which suggests that the mandibular nerve is the pathway for tonic impulses which regulate the vasomotor tone of the circulatory bed in the mandibular area.

6. A basis for the evaluation of the use of vasoconstrictors in dental blocking agents has been obtained.