[Effect of Ouabain on cerebral blood flow (author's transl)]

The effect of 0.25 mg ouabain on cerebral blood flow (CBF) was investigated in patients with and without cerebrovascular disease using the xenon clearance method. The 36 patients included in this study did not show any signs of heart failure. Ouabain increased the CBF and this effect was demonstrable 15, as well as 90 min. after administration. This effect was proven statistically using the t-test for a comparison of the values with spontaneous changes in a control group without medication. The perfusion of pathologically-supplied brain regions was altered in the same way as the hemispheric flow; changes in the distribution of blood in the way of a steal effect were not observed. The haemodynamic parameters do not indicate a primary cardiac effect. Hence, an influence of ouabain on cerebral vessels might be responsible. The present results support reported clinical experience with ouabain for the treatment of patients with cerebrosvascular disease.