Medical Hypotheses
Volume 59, Issue 4 , Pages 446-449, October 2002

Novel mechanism of action hypothesized for stellate ganglion block related to melatonin

  • K Uchida

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Kazuhide Uchida PhD, Department of Anesthesiology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki 216-8511, Japan. Fax: +81-44-977-8340
    • ,
  • T Tateda
    • ,
  • H Hino

Department of Anesthesiology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan

Received 16 November 2001; accepted 13 February 2002.

Abstract 

The mechanism of action of stellate ganglion block has generally been explained by vasodilation within its sphere of innervation. However, the success of treatment cannot always be explained by just one mechanism of action, because its clinical indications in Japan extend to many diseases, including systemic diseases. We propose a new mechanism of action for stellate ganglion block that is based on correction of melatonin rhythm disorder resulting from increased sympathetic nerve tone and does not involve vasodilation.

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PII: S0306-9877(02)00158-5

Medical Hypotheses
Volume 59, Issue 4 , Pages 446-449, October 2002

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