Mesenteric vascular effects of prostaglandins F2α and B₂. Possible advantages over vasopressin in control of gastrointestinal bleeding

Mesenteric vascular effects of prostaglandin B₂ and F2α were studied and compared to those of vasopressin in the dog, cat and baboon. Vasopressin reduced superior mesenteric blood flow (SMBF) 80-100%, and significantly increased hepatic arterial blood flow and systemic arterial pressure. Prostaglandin B₂ produced vasodilatation at low doses and biphasic vasodilatation/vasoconstriction at high doses. Prostaglandin F2α elicited only vasoconstriction, reducing SMBF, left gastric, and inferior mesenteric blood flow 80-100%. Systemic arterial pressure was not significantly changed. Thus, vasopressin and prostaglandin F2α are equally effective mesenteric vasoconstrictors. Because of reduced systemic effects, prostaglandin F2α has excellent potential as a mesenteric vasoconstrictor to control gastrointestinal hemorrhage.