Effects of Pancuronium and Alcuronium on the Changes in Arterial Pressure and Plasma Catecholamine Concentrations During Tracheal Intubation

The changes in the plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine, during tracheal intubation, were studied in 17 patients. Nine patients received pancuronium and eight alcuronium to produce neuromuscular blockade. In the patients receiving pancuronium, intubation of the trachea was accompanied by an increase in mean arterial pressure, and in the plasma concentrations of noradrenaline and adrenaline. In the alcuronium group, there were no significant changes in the plasma concentrations of any catecholamine, nor any change in mean arterial pressure in response to intubation of the trachea.