Protoveratrine is a mixture of two purified alkaloids derived from veratrum album. According to Meilman and Krayer (1) it has a marked and reproducible depressor effect when given intravenously to hypertensive patients. This effect has been confirmed (2) and the drug has been administered in the long term management of severe hypertension (3). It therefore becomes important to know whether the depressor action of Protoveratrine 3 is a result of a reduction in cardiac output, or of a decrease in total peripheral resistance, and if the latter, what vascular area is chiefly involved. Observations bearing on these questions are presented herewith. METHODSThe Protoveratrine was prepared for intravenous administration according to the method of Meilman

No abstract