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The effect of ketanserin on blood flow in Raynaud's disease and systemic sclerosis
Author(s) -
Tatnall F.M.,
Gaylarde P.M.,
Sarkany I.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1985.tb12995.x
Subject(s) - ketanserin , medicine , anesthesia , serotonin , vasoconstriction , blood flow , systemic disease , multiple sclerosis , disease , 5 ht receptor , immunology , receptor
Ketanserin is a 5‐hydroxytryptamine 2 receptor blocking agent which antagonizes serotonin‐induced vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation. Serotonin has been implicated in the pathophysiology of both Raynaud's disease (Halpern et al. , 1960) and systemic sclerosis (Winkelmann, Goldyne & Linscheid, 1976). We have studied, therefore, the effect of ketanserin on peripheral blood flow in these two conditions. Intravenous ketanserin 10 mg was given to six patients (three with Raynaud's disease; three with systemic sclerosis). Changes in blood flow were measured by monitoring skin oxygen tension using a Hellige Oxymonitor and by measuring thermal clearance using calorimetry. A significant and immediate rise in oxygen tension and heat output occurred in all subjects following intravenous administration of the drug. We also investigated the effect of 20 mg and 40 mg ketanserin given orally. Following a single oral dose of 40 mg, three of five patients showed an increase in blood flow as demonstrated by calorimetry and oxymetry. In five patients (four with systemic sclerosis and one with Raynaud's disease) who responded to either the oral or the intravenous drug, ketanserin 40 mg b.d. was used as a therapeutic agent. Two patients with systemic sclerosis showed clinical improvement but long‐term therapy was discontinued because of side‐effects, i.e., dizziness, depression and postural hypotension. The presentation will include details of the techniques and the results.