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Difference in nitroglycerin dose-response in the venous and arterial beds
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Nitroglycerin maximally increased venous distensibility at low doses. Peripheral arterial resistance, however, continuously decreased with higher nitroglycerin concentrations in healthy volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to treat angina.
- Understanding its dose-dependent effects on vascular tone is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between plasma nitroglycerin concentrations and changes in venous distensibility and peripheral arterial resistance.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy volunteers received sublingual or epicutaneous nitroglycerin.
- Measurements of venous distensibility and peripheral arterial resistance were correlated with plasma nitroglycerin levels.
Main Results:
- Venous distensibility reached maximum levels at low plasma concentrations (<0.2 ng/ml) and did not increase further.
- Peripheral arterial resistance showed a progressive decrease with increasing plasma concentrations, with no plateau observed up to >2.0 ng/ml.
Conclusions:
- Nitroglycerin exhibits distinct dose-response profiles for venous and arterial beds.
- Venous effects are saturated at low concentrations, while arterial effects are concentration-dependent over a wider range.