The effect of eltanolone on pulmonary vascular resistance in landrace swine

This paper reports on the haemodynamic effects of eltanolone observed in Landrace swine during the investigation of the drug with respect to safety in malignant hyperthermia-susceptible individuals. Pigs were sedated with intramuscular ketamine, followed by induction of anaesthesia employing thiopentone administered via an ear-vein. After intubation, anaesthesia was maintained using nitrous oxide in oxygen. A total of eight pigs were then further anaesthetised on two separate occasions using one of two dose schedules. A bolus of 1.5 mg kg(-1) of eltanolone was administered, followed by a continuous infusion at either 2 or 10 mg kg(-1) h(-1). There were no significant changes in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, cardiac output or systemic vascular resistance following eltanolone. In all cases eltanolone induced marked rises in pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance (P<0.01) at all measuring points and in right ventricular stroke work at 6-10 min after drug exposure. We conclude that the selective influence of eltanolone on the pulmonary vasculature is probably species-specific, but may have clinical significance in patients with pulmonary hypertension.