Effects of a new nitro compound on the systemic circulatory system in dogs

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of a newly synthesized nitro compound (E-4701) on the systemic circulatory system with special reference to venous return and vascular compliance. Dogs were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. After opening the chest, cannulae were inserted into the superior and inferior vena cavae and into the right atrial appendage. The venous flow from the caval veins was redirected to a blood reservoir with an outlet at a constant height. The blood was pumped into the right atrium at a constant flow rate. E-4701 had a hypotensive effect, and also caused a decrease in reservoir blood volume; i.e., a decrease in venous return. Venous return via the superior vena cava was increased, whereas return via the inferior vena cava was decreased. Similar effects on the systemic circulatory system were observed with nitroprusside. The lowest dose of nitroprusside that caused a significant reduction in blood pressure was the same dose as that which caused a decrease in reservoir blood volume. However, a low dose of E-4701 caused a significant reduction in reservoir blood volume without affecting the systemic blood pressure. Arterial and venous compliances were increased by both E-4701 and nitroprusside. Nitroglycerin and isosorbide dinitrate increased venous compliance, but did not affect arterial compliance. The results suggest that E-4701 caused an almost equipotent reduction in blood pressure and venous return by dilating the arterial and venous vascular beds. The capacitance vessels may be more sensitive to E-4701 than the resistance vessels.