title: The effect of intravenous infusion of prostaglandin E1 on cutaneous microcirculation in black foot disease.
abstract: In order to evaluate the effect of an intravenous infusion of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), 80 micrograms/day for two weeks, on microcirculatory vasculature in seven patients (M:F = 3:4, age 60-78) with black foot disease (a peripheral vascular disease of undefined etiology), we applied laser Doppler velocimetry to measure the maximal cutaneous microcirculatory flow (LDF) at a proximal site near gangrenous ulcers of the foot. Maximal flow was induced by local warming to 42 degrees C with a modified laser Doppler heating probe. Three phasic measurements were recorded, i.e., during pretreatment, treatment and follow-up with the separation interval being two weeks. The net maximal LDF (LDF at 42 degrees C minus LDF at room temperature) increased from 8.8 +/- 4.0 to 11.9 +/- 4.0 volt, p < 0.05. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as LDF/mean BP. Mean BP showed no significant change before or after treatment. Net CVC was changed from 7.5 +/- 3.1 to 11.9 +/- 4.0 volt/100 mmHg, p < 0.05. The LDF dropped significantly during the two-week period between treatment and follow-up in five subjects (10.8 +/- 3.4 vs 4.6 +/- 1.8, p < 0.05), while the follow-up LDF was close to the control data (4.6 +/- 1.8 vs 6.3 +/- 2.2, p = NS). Hence, we conclude that PGE1 may beneficially enhance microcirculatory blood flow in black foot disease through direct vasodilatory effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Kwan
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005734:Gangrene; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply
chemical_list: D000527:Alprostadil