Peripheral vascular effects of ketanserin and nifedipine during cardiopulmonary bypass

Ketanserin, a selective S2-serotonergic receptor antagonist with alpha 1-adrenergic receptor-blocking properties, as well as nifedipine, a classic calcium channel blocker, is used as an antihypertensive agent during and following cardiac surgery. In a double-blind prospective study, using hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass as a study model, ketanserin (10 mg i.v.) and nifedipine (2 mg i.v.) were evaluated with respect to their effects on the peripheral circulation. The results showed that ketanserin and nifedipine dilate the arterial side of the vasculature, but that ketanserin, unlike nifedipine, also dilates the venous capacitance vessels; nifedipine even caused a short-lasting venous vasoconstriction. Since venous tone is increased during and following cardiopulmonary bypass, antihypertensive treatment with ketanserin might be advantageous under these circumstances.