VASOREACTIVITY TO PROSTAGLANDINS OF RAT PERIPHERAL-NERVE

1. We evaluated the effect of the local superfusion of prostaglandins E(1), I-2 and F-2 alpha (PQE(1), PGI(2) and PGF(2 alpha), respectively) on rat sciatic nerve blood flow and microvascular resistance. 2. PGE(1) increased nerve blood flow (NBF) in a dose-dependent fashion with an EC(50) of 10(-6.7) M and an asymptote of 20.1 ml (100 g)(-1) min(-1) 3. PGI(2) increased NBF in a linear dose-dependent fashion, with an EC(50) of 10(-5.1) M. PGI(2) appeared to be about 1.5 orders of magnitude less potent than PGE(1). 4. PGF(2 alpha) also increased NBF in a dose-dependent fashion. The threshold dose appeared to be identical with PGI(2) but may have a reduced capacity of response. The EC(50) of 10(-5.8) M was slightly lower than that of PGI(2).