Effects of Amyl Nitrite on Resistance and Capacitance Vessels in the Dog

Abstract

The hemodynamic effects of amyl nitrite inhalation were studied in 13 open-chest, anesthetized dogs. In each animal, the right ventricle was bypassed. Blood was drained from the right atrium into a reservoir and pumped at fixed flow into the pulmonary circulation. Alterations in total vascular volume were calculated on the basis of changes in reservoir level. Following amyl nitrite inhalation, all animals exhibited decreased arteriolar resistance and eventually an increase in total vascular volume. These results indicate that amyl nitrite, like other nitrite compounds, dilates vascular smooth muscle and relaxes resistance and capacitance vessels.