Effect of sodium nitroprusside on cerebral blood flow in conscious human beings.

Hemispheric cerebral blood flow was measured in 14 patients prior to and after the injection of sodium nitroprusside. The intracarotid method of Xenon was utilized, and flow was calculated by the flow initial technique. With a small reduction in blood pressure during the administration of sodium nitroprusside, the cerebral blood flow fell significantly by 15.9+/- 5.6%.