A method for localizing atrial type B receptors in the dog.

TLDR: The effect of ectopic stimulation of atria (premature ventricular contraction) on the activity of atrial type B receptors has been studied in dogs and the results show clear associations with prolapse in dogs.

Abstract: SUMMARY 1. The effect of ectopic stimulation of atria (premature ventricular contraction) on the activity of atrial type B receptors has been studied in dogs. 2. In sixteen open-chest dogs, discharge from right or left atrial type B receptors (identified by their response to pulmonary artery occlusion) was recorded. Direct stimulation of either atrium produced an increase in the activity of the left atrial but a decrease in the right atrial receptors. The earlier during the ventricular systole that the premature ventricular contraction occurred the more marked was the effect. 3. In a separate series of fourteen closedchest experiments the right atrium was stimulated internally via the external jugular vein. The effects on the activity of the atrial type B receptors were similar to those observed during the open-chest experiments. 4. It is concluded that in the dog the technique of internal stimulation of the right atrium without opening the chest can be used to distinguish between the right and left atrial type B receptors.