The cardiovascular and platelet actions of 9 beta-methyl carbacyclin (ciprostene), a chemically stable analogue of prostacyclin, in the dog and monkey.

9 beta-Methyl carbacyclin (9 beta Me; ciprostene) is a synthetic, chemically stable analogue of prostacyclin (PGI2; epoprostenol). The platelet anti-aggregating and cardiovascular effects of 9 beta Me have been compared to PGI2 in anaesthetized monkeys and dogs. In addition, their haemodynamic effects have been compared in open-chest anaesthetized dogs and conscious dogs. Intravenous infusion of 9 beta Me and PGI2 to the anaesthetized monkey resulted in a dose-dependent hypotension, tachycardia and inhibition of ex vivo ADP-induced platelet aggregation. 9 beta Me was 72 times less active than PGI2 both as a hypotensive and anti-aggregating agent. Intravenous infusion of 9 beta Me and PGI2 to the anaesthetized beagle dog resulted in a qualitatively similar haemodynamic profile. Thus both substances induced a dose-dependent hypotension accompanied initially by a slightly increased heart rate, a dose-dependent increase in cardiac output, stroke volume and an increased peak LV dP/dt. At the higher doses studied, the initial increases in the parameters measured were succeeded by dose-dependent falls. 9 beta Me was 76 times less active than PGI2 as a hypotensive agent. In the anaesthetized greyhound, a dose-dependent anti-aggregating and hypotensive effect was seen with either drug, with 9 beta Me being 23 and 40 times less active than PGI2, respectively. Intravenous infusion of 9 beta Me and PGI2 to the conscious beagle dog induced a dose-dependent hypotension and a variable effect on heart rate. 9 beta Me was 33 times less active than PGI2 as an hypotensive agent. The duration of the hypotensive response induced by 9PMe was not significantly different from that induced by PGI2 in either monkey or beagle dog.