Effect of Prostaglandins A1, A2, B1, E2 and F2α on Forearm Arterial Bed and Superficial Hand Veins in Man

Abstract

1. The effects of local infusions of prostaglandins (PG) A₁, A₂, B₁, E₂ and F_2α have been studied in the forearm arterial bed and superficial hand veins of man. 2. Prostaglandins A₁, A₂, B₁, E₂ and F_2α all gave rise to a dose-dependent increase in forearm blood flow when infused into the brachial artery. At dosages just below the dilator range, PGF_2α caused a transient fall in forearm flow, but this was not seen with any of the other prostaglandins. 3. Prostaglandins A₁, A₂ and E₂ had no effect when infused locally into relaxed veins but caused dose-dependent dilatation when given into veins preconstricted with either noradrenaline or 5-hydroxytryptamine. Prostaglandins B₁ and F_2α caused dose-dependent constriction when given into relaxed veins and had no dilator effect when infused into preconstricted veins. 4. The results suggest that there are at least two types of receptors mediating responses to prostaglandins in peripheral blood vessels.