[Effects of controlled hypotension induced by prostaglandin E1 on the cerebral blood flow]

The effect of controlled hypotension induced by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on the cerebral blood flow (CBF) was studied in 14 patients undergoing neurosurgery. CBF was measured by thermal diffusion using a flow probe with a Peltier stack. PGE1 was injected i.v. continuously, at a dose of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1. CBF tended to increase dose-dependently but not significantly by PGE1 administration. Cerebral vascular resistance was reduced significantly by every dose of PGE1 administered. Therefore, the results indicate that the cerebral vascular beds are dilated directly by PGE1. In conclusion, this study suggests that PGE1 can be used safely to control hypotension without reducing CBF during neurosurgery.