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Serotonin and acute cardiovascular disorders
R S Reneman1, P J van der Starre
1Department of Physiology, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Serotonin amplifies vasoconstriction, contributing to hypertension after cardiac surgery. Ketanserin, an S2-serotonergic antagonist, effectively treats this by blocking serotonin and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systemic and pulmonary hypertension are acute complications following cardiac surgery.
- Serotonin's role in postoperative hypertension is investigated, despite limited plasma level increases due to uptake by platelets and endothelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of serotonin in acute systemic and pulmonary hypertension after cardiac surgery.
- To evaluate the efficacy of ketanserin in managing postoperative hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on serotonin's role in postoperative hypertension.
- Analysis of ketanserin's effects as an S2-serotonergic and alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist in patients with systemic and pulmonary hypertension.
Main Results:
- Serotonin may amplify vasoconstriction caused by elevated epinephrine and norepinephrine.
- Ketanserin effectively lowers arterial blood pressure in systemic postoperative hypertension.
- Ketanserin is also effective in treating pulmonary hypertension post-valve replacement and reduces intrapulmonary shunting.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin plays a role in postoperative hypertension through an amplifying effect on vasoconstriction.
- Ketanserin demonstrates efficacy in treating both systemic and pulmonary hypertension after cardiac surgery.
- Ketanserin's mechanism involves selective vasodilation and potential bronchodilation.