G. Ross, P. Cole
Jul 1, 1973
Citations
1
Influential Citations
37
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Anaesthesia
Abstract
Sodium nitroprusside is an effective hypotensive agent now often employed to produce a ‘dry field’ during surgery.’-3 Despite several years of clinical use the circulatory changes occurring during nitroprusside hypotension have not been clearly defined, although it is known that total peripheral vascular resistance is reduced as the results of arteriolar d i l a t a t i ~ n . ~ The few cardiac output studies have produced variable results,5s6 and regional blood flow responses have received little attention. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of sodium nitroprusside on cardiac output and on blood flow in the femoral, mesenteric and coronary circulations. The fl-adrenergic block agent, propranolol, was used in an attempt to evaluate the possible role of adrenergic myocardial stimulation in these responses.