Correction of the unfavourable effects of vasopressin by nitroglycerin infusion

Nitroglycerin was administered with vasopressin to prevent adverse effects. Vasopressin 0.25U . 70 kg-1 min-1 was infused intravenously in four dogs for 40 minutes, when a venous infusion of nitroglycerin 1.2 micrograms . kg-1 . min-1 was added for 20 minutes. Nitroglycerin 1.2 micrograms . kg-1 . min-1 alone was infused intravenously in another four dogs for 40 minutes. The venous blood pressures (mesenteric and central) and arterial pressures (mesenteric and femoral), the electrocardiogram and arterio-venous difference were recorded. Nitroglycerin was shown to annul the unfavourable effects of vasopressin without altering its efficacy upon portal pressure.