Experimental use of prostaglandin E1 in nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia.

Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia was produced in dogs by intraarterial infusion of digoxin and by hemorrhage of 1/3 of total blood volume. Both methods produced a substantial drop in the superior mesenteric arterial blood flow rate. In each case, a superior mesenteric arterial infusion of 0.1 mug./kg. per minute of prostaglandin E1 allowed the blood flow rate to increase to above the control level without significantly altering heart rate or systemic arterial pressure. The improved arterial blood flow rates were accompanied by a reversal of the diffuse mesenteric vasoconstriction that was seen in the ischemic state. These findings were demonstrated by superior mesenteric arteriography performed prior to and following the production of mesenteric ischemia and again following the infusion of prostaglandin E1.