Coronary vasodilation by nitrates is not mediated by the prostaglandin system: an angiographic and hemodynamic study.

The possible role of prostaglandins in mediating coronary vasodilation by nitrates was investigated in 13 patients. In nine patients (Group 1), the effects of ISDN on coronary-artery diameter and (in four of the nine) coronary sinus flow before and after administration of ASA were compared. In four additional patients (Group 2) the first ISDN administration was omitted in order to investigate the effect of ASA on resting coronary artery tone. Dosages used were 3 mg intracoronary ISDN and 1.0 g intravenous and 100 mg intracoronary ASA. Coronary artery diameter was analyzed by means of quantitative magnification coronary angiography. Coronary sinus flow was investigated by means of coronary sinus thermodilution. ASA was not able to induce significant changes in coronary artery diameter when injected before administration of ISDN or to prevent ISDN-induced vasodilation. At the coronary resistance level, ASA was not able to prevent the relative vasodilation induced by ISDN. It is concluded that coronary vasodilation by nitrates is not mediated by the prostaglandin system.