Impaired vascular responses to nitroglycerin in subjects with coronary atherosclerosis.
To study smooth muscle function in atherosclerosis, we calculated dose-response curves in patients with coronary artery disease and in controls by measuring changes in brachial artery diameter after incremental sublingual doses of nitroglycerin. The doses required to produce a 50% maximal dilator response were significantly higher in patients with coronary artery disease than in controls (p <0.002), suggesting smooth muscle dysfunction in atherosclerosis.
Raitakari
O T
OT
Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Seale
J P
JP
Celermajer
D S
DS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects*; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D005996:Nitroglycerin