Protection by SK&F 93479 against the haemodynamic effects of coronary artery ligation in dogs.

The effects of SK&F 93479, a potent histamine H2-receptor antagonist, on the changes in haemodynamics induced by coronary artery ligation were investigated in anaesthetized dogs. Intravenous bolus injection of SK&F 93479 1 mg/kg followed by 1 mg/kg/h infusion caused transient decreases in systemic blood pressure, left ventricular pressure, and dLVP/dtmax, but did not significantly alter heart rate. Coronary artery ligation produced haemodynamic depression, and this was significantly prevented by pretreatment of the animals with SK&F 93479. These findings suggest that histamine may contribute to the haemodynamic changes arising from acute myocardial ischaemia.