[Imbalance of blood flow induced by sympathetic block was corrected by prostaglandin E1]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE1) on imbalance of blood flow induced by sympathetic block. Seven mongrel dogs were anesthetized with intravenous pentazocine 0.5 mg. kg-1, diazepam 0.1 mg. kg-1 and pancuronium 0.1 mg. kg-1. Bilateral brachial arterial blood flows were measured using an ultrasonic transit time flowmeter (Transonic T201, Advance). After a thoracotomy, left stellate ganglion block (SGB) with 0.5% mepivacaine was performed for sympathetic block. Left brachial arterial blood flow increased significantly by 80% 15 min after SGB, and statistically significant decrease (13%) in right brachial arterial blood flow occurred 15 min after left SGB. After intravenous infusion of PGE1 at a rate of 150 ng. kg-1. min-1 for 10 min, left brachial arterial blood flow increased (127%) still, and right brachial arterial blood flow returned to the pre-value. As to peripheral circulation, a combination of SGB and intravenous infusion of PGE1 was more effective than SGB alone. Moreover, the administration of PGE1 may improve imbalance of blood flow induced by sympathetic block.