The effects of rilmenidine on tests of autonomic function in humans.
The effects of rilmenidine, a new centrally acting antihypertensive agent, on a number of tests of autonomic function were investigated in six healthy male volunteers. Baroreflex function (delta RR interval [in milliseconds] with each millimeter of mercury change in systolic blood pressure) was determined in response to changes in pressure after injections of phenylephrine and nitroglycerin. Reflex cardiovascular responses to handgrip and standing, as well as during deep breathing and the Valsalva maneuver, were also investigated. Rilmenidine produced a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure that was not accompanied by an increase in heart rate. Under conditions of low basal sympathetic activity, rilmenidine enhanced parasympathetic tone during the early reflex heart rate changes that occur immediately after standing and during deep breathing, as well as baroreflex heart rate responses to phenylephrine. During a test of sympathetic function, standing blood pressure, and heart rate after 3 minutes, rilmenidine reduced sympathetic tone.
Department of Therapeutics and Pharmacology, Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
J P
JP
McKaigue
D W
DW
Harron
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010080:Oxazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011187:Posture; D011311:Pressoreceptors / Q000187:drug effects; D012016:Reference Values; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D000077769:Rilmenidine; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D010080:Oxazoles; D000077769:Rilmenidine