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J Reconstr Microsurg 1993; 9(5): 361-365
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006743
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1993 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Effects of Lidocaine and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) on Isolated Human Radial Arteries

Jan Jernbeck, Ulf E. Samuelson
  • Departments of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Karolinska Hospital and Sabbatsberg Hospital, and Department of Physiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1993

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Vasoconstriction during and after microsurgery may cause hypoperfusion and result in flap necrosis. This study investigated the vascular effects of two known vasodilators: lidocaine and the naturally-occurring substance, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Experiments were performed in vitro on 47 human radial arterial rings from 18 patients undergoing reconstruction after head and neck tumor surgery with free radial forearm flaps. Lidocaine produced a biphasic dose-response curve, with contraction at low concentrations (1.5 × 10-5 to 1.5 × 10-3 M) and relaxation at higher concentrations (4.5 × 10-3 to 1.5 × 10-2 M). It caused significantly stronger contractions in arteries with mechanically removed endothelium, compared with arteries with intact endothelium. Prolonged rebound contraction occurred when the lidocaine concentration was decreased. Lidocaine also potentiated noradrenaline-induced contraction. CGRP produced only dose-dependent relaxation of constricted radial arteries at low concentrations (3 × 10-10 to 10-7 M). The contractile effects of lidocaine should be considered when a vasodilative substance is required.