Effects of angiotensin and ergonovine on large and small coronary arteries in the intact dog.

Angiotensin (ATN) and ergonovine (ERG) are known to cause vasoconstriction of the coronary bed. However, ATN effects have been described mainly on the coronary resistance vessels, while ERG effects have been described on proximal conductance vessels. Recent studies have shown that proximal and distal coronary arteries are regulated independently. To examine both proximal and distal effects of ATN and ERG on the same heart, we studied 7 intact dogs, anesthetized with Innovar (Fentanyl 0.4 mg, Droperidol 20 mg, in 1 ml) and nitrous oxide, which were subjected to direct left anterior (LAD) coronary infusion of angiotensin (0.1, 0.5 and 5 micrograms/min) and ergonovine (0.5, 5, and 25 micrograms/min). Using a quantitative angiographic technique to measure artery dimensions and microspheres to measure flow, ERG infusion showed significant large artery constriction at all doses (maximum: 38.9 +/- 7.8% area reduction), and a significant decrease in LAD coronary artery flow, while endocardial/epicardial flow ratio remained unchanged. ATN produced a biphasic effect on the large coronary arteries. The lowest dose produced constriction (12.3 +/- 3.7% area reduction), which returned toward control value with the 0.5 micrograms/min dose (6.0 +/- 1.0% area reduction), and the 5 micrograms/min dose (1.5 +/- 9.5% area reduction), and no significant changes were observed in LAD flow with ATN infusion. Endocardial/epicardial ratio was unchanged, but aortic pressure was significantly increased during 0.5 and 5 micrograms/min ATN infusion. Coronary resistance (pressure/flow) increased with both ERG and ATN. ERG and ATN produce large and small coronary artery constriction. The coronary response to ERG in dogs is similar to the human coronary response, even though previous data indicated a minimal constrictor response to ERG in canine coronary arteries.