STUDIES ON HYDRALAZINE; EVIDENCE FOR A PERIPHERAL SITE OF ACTION 1

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Abstract
The site of action of the antihypertensive drug hydralazine (1-hydrazinophthalazine, Apresoline) was investigated by determining its effect on human subjects with high spinal cord transection. Blood flow was lowered in 4 such subjects. Blood flow increased in the denervated extremities below the transection, but not in the normally innervated ones. Similar findings in regard to blood flow were observed when the denervation was achieved by sympathectomy. It was proposed that the drug acts directly upon the blood vessel wall.