Treatment of experimental delayed cerebral arterial spasm with a beta2-adrenergic stimulator and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor

Abstract

Delayed cerebral arterial spasm was induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage in 11 rhesus monkeys. Ten monkeys (62%) developed spasm. Of 7 monkeys treated with salbutamol (a .beta.2-adrenergic stimulating drug), 5 had relief of vasospasm. Four monkeys, 1 of which had failed to respond to salbutamol alone, were treated with salbutamol and aminophylline (a phosphodiesterase-inhibiting drug), and all 4 were relieved of their vasospasm. When considered as 1 group, the monkeys had an 81% response rate. A combination of .beta.2-adrenergic stimulation and phosphodiesterase-inhibition might be of value in preventing or treating delayed cerebral arterial spasm.