Cerebrovascular effects of a xanthine derivative propentofylline (HWA 285)

Abstract

AbstractThe novel xanthine derivative propentofylline, 1‐(5′‐oxohexyl)‐3‐methyl‐7‐propylxanthine (HWA 285), was tested for its effects on cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular resistance in the anaesthetised baboon. The intravenous administration of propentofylline (0.5 mg/kg/min) led to a small but significant increase in cerebral blood flow. In a separate group of baboons, propentofylline (0.1 mg/kg/min) was administered into the internal carotid artery to avoid interference by the peripheral actions of the drug. This produced a marked increase in cerebral blood flow combined with a fall in cerebrovascular resistance which oulasted the administration of the drug. Propentofylline did not produce any marked change in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. Finally, the presence of the blood‐brain barrier did not appear important to these effects since disruption by hyperosmotic urea did not change the response of cerebral blood flow or cerebrovascular resistance to propentofylline administration. These data suggest that propentofylline produces an increase in cerebral blood flow mainly by dilatation of the cerebrovasculature.