Effect of ethyl apovincaminate on cerebral circulation of dogs under normal conditions and in arterial hypoxia.

Effects of 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg i.v. doses of ethyl apovincaminate (RGH-4405, Cavinton) on cerebral blood flow, determined in the internal carotid and vertebral artery, were studied in anaesthetized dogs under 21, 16 and 11% O2 inhalation. Total cerebral blood flow was increased by 4 mg/kg Cavinton under normal O2 and between 100 to 200 mmHg perfusion pressures, while 2 mg/kg doses were effective under hypoxia. Similar phenomena were observed in the carotid and vertebral flow, separately. Arterial hypoxia seems to potentiate the effect of Cavinton on cerebral blood flow.