Vasopressin Reduces Blood Flow to Vital Organs in Pigs After Heart Ischemia
Author Information
Author(s): Müller Stig, Ole-Jakob, Hermansen Stig Eggen, Stenberg Thor Allan, Sager Georg, Myrmel Truls
Primary Institution: University of Tromsø, Norway
Hypothesis
Restoring mean arterial pressure by low dose, therapeutic level AVP would reduce vital organ blood flow in a setting of experimental acute left ventricular dysfunction.
Conclusion
Low dose AVP induced a pronounced reduction in vital organ blood flow in pigs after transient cardiac ischemia.
Supporting Evidence
- AVP further impaired systemic perfusion with reductions in cardiac output and blood flow to the brain, heart, and kidney.
- Oxygen saturation in blood from the great cardiac vein fell significantly during AVP infusion.
- The effects of AVP were reversed 40 minutes after the drug was withdrawn.
Takeaway
Vasopressin, a hormone used to raise blood pressure, can actually make it harder for important organs like the heart and brain to get blood after a heart problem.
Methodology
Cardiac output and arterial blood flow to vital organs were measured in pigs using flow probes and catheters during induced ischemia and AVP infusion.
Limitations
The dose-response profile of AVP in pigs may differ from humans, and the study's findings may not be directly applicable to clinical practice.
Participant Demographics
Nine castrated male domestic pigs, weighing approximately 30 kg.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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