Effect of prostaglandin E1 on cerebral blood flow in patients with chronic cerebral infarction.

The effect of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on cerebral blood flow (CBF) was studied in 10 patients with chronic cerebral infarction. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured by single photon emission computed tomography before and after they received PGE1 120 microg daily for 2 weeks. The rCBF of the brainstem, cerebellum, and frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes increased significantly after PGE1 administration. PGE1 also significantly increased the rCBF of the non-infarcted area adjacent to infarction. The results indicate that PGE1 increases the CBF of patients with chronic cerebral infarction without causing the intracerebral steal phenomenon.