Pulmonary and antiaggregatory effects of prostacyclin after inhalation and intravenous infusion.

Prostacyclin (PGI2) was administered by inhalation (50 micrograms/min) and intravenous infusion (15 ng/kg/min) in 5 healthy male volunteers. Irrespective of the route of administration this substance was shown to have no effects on respiratory indices studied, whereas a significant inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation and a fall in vascular resistance could be demonstrated. Mainly because of the latter action it is suggested that PGI2, or a stable synthetic analogue, might become a potent drug in various pathological conditions, in which hypertension of various causes is a problem.