iloprost and Ischemic-Attack--Transient

Raynaud phenomenon (RP) is the hallmark of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Visceral RP has also been proposed in SSc patients. Cardiac Raynaud's phenomenon (C-RP) was evaluated in a few clinical studies both as cold-induced transient myocardial ischaemia and as presence of advanced myocardial fibrosis and contraction band necrosis in autopsied patients. Until today numerous techniques, such as scintigraphy and myocardial contrast echocardiography, have been used to evaluate C-RP. In this case report for the first time we have used Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) after cold test to demonstrate the presence of the C-RP. In addition we have shown that therapy with Iloprost can be used to reduce episodes of C-RP.

Topics: Antibodies, Antinuclear; Female; Fibrosis; Heart; Humans; Iloprost; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Middle Aged; Myocardium; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Raynaud Disease; Recovery of Function; Scleroderma, Systemic

The reversal of endothelin-1 induced cerebral vasospasm with Iloprost was studied in the rabbit. Vasospasm in the basilar artery was evaluated by angiography; cerebral ischaemia by 'red-neurone-count' on light microscopy and morphological changes by electron microscopy. A potent antagonistic effect of Iloprost against ET-1 was observed in each of the parameters measured.

Topics: Animals; Basilar Artery; Brain; Cerebral Angiography; Endothelins; Female; Iloprost; Injections, Intra-Arterial; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Male; Neurons; Rabbits; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

1. Experimental chronic cerebral vasospasm induced by subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in rabbits was studied in order to evaluate the efficacy of repeated i.v. infusion of Iloprost (ILO). 2. The mean diameter of the basilar artery of intact animals was calculated as 737.5 +/- 52.8 microns while this value was reduced to 237.5 +/- 22.96 microns after SAH. 3. In the ILO treated group the mean diameter of the basilar artery was significantly increased and found to be 593.75 +/- 64.0 microns. 4. No change was observed in intracranial pressure (ICP) except a slight decrease in mean arterial pressure when relatively higher doses of ILO were used. 5. These results were taken as evidence of the high therapeutic value and low side effects of ILO in the treatment of persisting cerebral vasospasm due to SAH.

Topics: Animals; Calcium Channels; Chronic Disease; Iloprost; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Rabbits; Random Allocation; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Topics: Animals; Basilar Artery; Epoprostenol; Female; Iloprost; Imidazoles; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Male; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; Rabbits; Vasodilation; Vasodilator Agents

Transient incomplete cerebral ischemia (oligemia) has been obtained in rats by associating mild systemic hypotension with bilateral carotid artery occlusion for 60 min. Continuous i.v drug administration for 3 days, performed with Alzet osmotic minipumps so that to deliver 167 ng.kg-1.min-1 Iloprost, 5 ng.kg-1.min-1 ZK 96480 or their respective vehicle, started 1 hour post-oligemia. Both compounds which are stable prostacyclin analogues reduced the edematous reaction and the post-oligemic accumulation of calcium in the brain tissue but above all they improved, mainly ZK 96480, the learning capacity of injured animals. These results indicate that regarding its therapeutic effect toward early consequences of a transient cerebral oligemia, ZK 96480 has the same profile as Iloprost at a dose 20-fold lower. Thus, these data encourage further clinical studies, in ischemic stroke, in which PGI2 and Iloprost have been shown promising.

Topics: Animals; Brain; Calcium; Epoprostenol; Iloprost; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Learning; Male; Memory; Potassium; Prostaglandins, Synthetic; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Vasodilator Agents; Water

A new stable analogue of prostacyclin, iloprost, was tested on the basilar artery of anaesthetized rabbits constricted by electrical stimulation and intracisternal injection of autologous blood. The vasospasm induced by these stimuli was effectively relieved (about 100%) by topical application of iloprost, a stable analogue of prostacyclin (PGI2), and no constriction occurred on further stimulation within one hour. The mechanisms of the action of iloprost and its possible therapeutic value in subarachnoid haemorrhage are discussed.

Topics: Animals; Basilar Artery; Disease Models, Animal; Epoprostenol; Female; Iloprost; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Male; Rabbits