Effect of Propranolol on the Peripheral Circulation.

Abstract

The effect of propranolol on the peripheral vascular beds was studied in anesthetized dogs in which the regional artery was perfused constantly with arterial blood using a Sigmamotor pump. It was found that the effect of the intra-arterial administration of propranolol on the peripheral vascular beds is biphasic, an initial, rapid decrease in perfusion pressure (vasodilatation) being followed by a prolonged increase (vasoconstriction) without any change in the systemic circulation. The initial vasodilator effect was not blocked either by atropine, DCI or by repeated injections of propranolol which sufficiently blocked the effect of isoproterenol on the vessel.