Effects of Digoxin on Isolated Human Mesenteric Vessels

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Abstract
Digoxin had contractant effects on isolated, human mesenteric arteries and veins. Veins were more sensitive to this action of the glycoside than arteries. The contractions were not affected by phentolamine or by washing with a digoxin-free solution. However, they were abolished by the calcium antagonist nifedipine, and by washing with a calcium-free medium. In the presence of digoxin, the maximum response to noradrenaline (1.8 × 10-5 M) increased markedly in both arteries and veins, and the concentration-response curve for the amine was displaced to the left. Immersion of vein preparations in calcium-free solution for 30 min. abolished the digoxin contracture; an increase in extracellular calcium restored the response. Changes in extracellular potassium concentration caused changes in tension of the mesenteric veins similar to those previously demonstrated in peripheral veins - both in the presence and in the absence of digoxin. It is concluded that digoxin contracts mesenteric vessels by a direct action on the muscle cells, and potentiates the contractant effects of noradrenaline. These effects are dependent on the availability of extracellular calcium. Mesenteric vascular reactions caused by changes in extracellular potassium are influenced by digoxin.