Schultz J, Andersen A, Lyhne MD, Arcanjo DDR, Kjaergaard B, Simonsen U, Nielsen-Kudsk JE. Terlipressin Increases Systemic and Lowers Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Experimental Acute Pulmonary Embolism.
Crit Care Med 2020;
48:e308-e315. [PMID:
32205621 DOI:
10.1097/ccm.0000000000004243]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
We investigated whether the vasopressin-analog, terlipressin induces systemic vasoconstriction and pulmonary vasodilation in a porcine model of acute pulmonary embolism.
DESIGN
Controlled, animal study.
SETTING
Tertiary medical center research laboratory.
SUBJECTS
Female pigs (n = 12, Cross of Land Race, Duroc, and Yorkshire ~ 60 kg).
INTERVENTIONS
Acute pulmonary embolism was induced by administration of three large autologous emboli. Animals then received four increasing doses of either terlipressin (n = 6) or vehicle (n = 6).
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
Effects were evaluated in vivo at baseline, after pulmonary embolism and after each dose by invasive hemodynamic measures, transesophageal echocardiography, and blood analysis. Isolated pulmonary arteries were evaluated ex vivo in a myograph. Pulmonary embolism caused a four-fold increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (p < 0.0001) and a two-fold increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (p < 0.0001) compared with baseline. Terlipressin increased mean systemic blood pressure (28 ± 5 mm Hg; p < 0.0001) and systemic vascular resistance (1,320 ± 143 dynes; p < 0.0001) compared with vehicle. In the pulmonary circulation, terlipressin decreased mean pulmonary arterial pressure (-6.5 ± 1.8 mm Hg; p = 0.005) and tended to decrease pulmonary vascular resistance (-83 ± 33 dynes; p = 0.07). Terlipressin decreased cardiac output (-2.5 ± 0.5 L/min; p < 0.0001) and increased plasma lactate (2.7 ± 0.2 mmol/L; p < 0.0001), possibly indicating systemic hypoperfusion. A biomarker of cerebral ischemia, S100b, remained unchanged, suggesting preserved cerebral perfusion (0.17 ± 0.11 µg/L; p = 0.51). Ex vivo, terlipressin relaxed pulmonary and constricted mesenteric arteries.
CONCLUSIONS
Terlipressin caused systemic vasoconstriction and pulmonary vasodilation in a porcine in vivo model of acute pulmonary embolism and vasorelaxation in isolated pulmonary arteries. Despite positive vascular effects, cardiac output declined and plasma lactate increased probably due to a predominantly systemic vasoconstrictor effect of terlipressin. These findings should warrant careful translation to the clinical setting and does not suggest routine use in acute pulmonary embolism.
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