We investigated the effects of intravenous regional injection of
guanethidine and reserpine in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study
of seven volunteers. The sympatholytic activities of these drugs were
assessed separately for cholinergic and adrenergic function. Cold challenge
was employed to magnify the effect on digital temperatures and alterations
in pulse-volume. Only guanethidine significantly increased temperature (p
less than 0.025) after cold challenge, this effect lasting for three days.
No anticholinergic effect was found. Intravenous regional guanethidine may
be useful in the treatment of vasospastic disorders and as prophylaxis for
surgically treated patients in whom this complication may be expected to
occur.