Effects of dihydroergotamine methanesulfonate on the microcirculation of the rat cremaster muscle.

Effects of dihydroergotamine on the microcirculation of the rat cremaster muscle were investigated microscopically using colour photographic technique. 1. Dihydroergotamine 10(-4) g/ml constricted arterioles of the rat cremaster. 2. Dihydroergotamine 10(-4) g/ml produced a significant contraction of venules. 3. Dihydroergotamine 10(-4) g/ml markedly inhibited the contractile response of noradrenaline 10(-6) g/ml on arterioles of the rat cremaster. The results suggest that dihydroergotamine has an appreciable vasoconstrictive action, especially upon venules, and that dihydroergotamine also has an adrenergic alpha-receptor blocking action. By means of highly sensitive negative colour film we obtained a satisfactory photograph of the rat cremaster's circulation.