title: The vasodilatory effects of levosimendan on the human internal mammary artery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Levosimendan, an inotropic drug that enhances myocardial contractility through myofilment calcium sensitazion, induces peripheral vasodilation via opening ATP-dependent K(+) channels. It is unknown whether this drug can be used for the treatment of perioperative vasospasm of arterial conduits used for coronary artery bypass grafting.
  
  
  METHODS
  We investigated the effects of levosimendan on human internal mammary artery (IMA) specimens taken from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. The rings were carefully prepared and placed between two wire hooks in organ bath chambers and then constricted submaximally with norepinephrine and thromboxane A(2) analog (U46619). Nitroglycerin, milrinone, and levosimendan were separately added in a cumulative fashion and concentration response curves for relaxation were constructed. In parallel experiments, the response to levosimendan was evaluated on rings with and without functional endothelium. Levosimendan prevention of norepinephrine-induced contraction was also estimated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nitroglycerin, milrinone, and levosimendan completely reversed the contraction of the IMA segments induced by U46619 and norepinephrine. Levosimendan produced a potent, concentration-dependent preventive effect on the norepinephrine-induced contraction of IMA. The responses to levosimendan were similar in preparations with or without endothelium.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Fundación CardioInfantil, Instituto de Cardiología. felixmontes@etb.net.co
authors.forename: Félix R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Montes
authors.forename: Darío
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Echeverri
authors.forename: Lorena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Buitrago
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ramírez
authors.forename: Juan C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Giraldo
authors.forename: Javier D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Maldonado
authors.forename: Juan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Umaña
mesh_terms: D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D006835:Hydrazones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008323:Mammary Arteries / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D011724:Pyridazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000077464:Simendan; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D006835:Hydrazones; D011724:Pyridazines; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000077464:Simendan