Anti-Platelet and Vasodilatory Action of Prostacyclin /PGI2/ in Healthy Men and in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease

Abstract

Intravenous infusion of PGI2/2-20 ng/kg/min/ into 10 healthy men caused vasodilatation of skin vessels, moderate decrease in blood pressure, suppression of platelet aggregability to ADP, dispersion of circulating platelet aggregates, but no distinct changes in plasma and fibrinolytic clotting factors. These results prompted us to treat with PGI2, six patients with far-advanced arteriosclerosis obliterans. A cooled solution of PGI2/5 ng/kg/min/ in alkaline buffer was administered for 72-96 hrs into femoral artery, leading to warmness and rubor of extremity, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and increase in blood flow in peripheral muscles and skin as measured with radioactive xenon. The clinical results were very good as manifested by relieve of pain, healing of chronic ulcers and resolution of deep necrosis. PGI2 due to its strong anti-platelet and vasodilatory properties seems a promising agent in therapy of peripheral artery disease.