Superior mesenteric angiography and blood flow following intra-arterial injection of prostaglandin F2alpha.

The effect of intra-arterially administered prostaglandin F2alpha(PGF2alpha) on venous demonstration in angiography of the superior mesenteric artery was compared to that of bradykinin in 10 patients, and the flow increase in this vessel following PGF2alpha was measured by a dye dilution technique in another 8 patients. The angiographic demonstration of veins was similarly improved by the 2 drugs, the effect of 60 mug. of PGF2alpha being roughly equivalent to that of 10 mug. of bradykinin. The loss of arterial detail was less marked after PGF2alpha which, however, had a longer duration of action. The flow studies indicated that 80 mug. of PGF2alpha increased the superior mesenteric blood flow 103 +/- 16 per cent. There was no influecne on blood pressure or pulse rate. The patients experienced a sensation of warmth in the abdomen for a few seconds following the injection of drugs, but no other side effect was noted. It is concluded that PGF2alpha causes a rapid increase of the superior mesenteric blood flow in man making it suitable for pharmacoangiography of this vascular bed.