Effect of prostaglandin E1 on fractional distribution of cardiac output and organ blood flow in man: a simultaneous and non-invasive determination using double dose thallium-201 scintigraphy.

Abstract

Taking advantage of the fact that the distribution of Thallium-201 in an organ almost parallels the blood flow to the organ, we devised a non-invasive method of simultaneously determining blood flow and its distribution in human organs. With this method, we investigated the effect of exogenous prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on the central and peripheral circulation. Scintigraphy was performed after two injections of 201Tl chloride, one at rest and one after the administration of PGE1 or saline. In eight subjects given PGE1 (0.2 microgram X kg-1 X min-1, iv), blood pressure fell, whereas both heart rate and cardiac output rose. The fractional distribution was increased in the heart (+13.3 +/- 2.98%, mean +/- SD), but decreased in the liver (-10.2 +/- 1.95%) and gastro-intestinal tract (-7.09 +/- 2.65%). No significant change was observed in the kidneys or leg. The blood flow in all these organs was increased. In the six control subjects given saline, there was no change in these central and peripheral haemodynamics. Thus, the intravenous infusion of PGE1 in man causes uneven blood flow distribution in heart, liver, kidney, gastro-intestinal organs and leg muscles, despite increased blood flow to all these organs. The method used in this study is relatively non-invasive and useful in evaluating organ blood flow in man, and seems to be widely applicable to physiological and pharmacologic research.