[Effects of glucagon on systemic circulation, coronary blood flow and myocardial oxygen consumption in the anesthetized dog (author's transl)].

The systemic and coronary hemodynamic effects of 10, 20, 40 and 80 mug/kg glucagon have been studied in 9 anesthetized normoventilated closed-chest dogs. Intravenous administration of this agent produced a dose-related increase in the average coronary blood flow between 19% (10 mug/kg) and 49% (80 mug/kg). Coronary vascular resistance decreased by between 16% (10 mug/kg) and 39% (80 mug/kg). A--V O2 difference 1 min after the administration of glucagon no changes in myocardial oxygen extraction were observed after 5, 10 and 20 min. The calculated myocardial oxygen consumption rose up to 50% after 80 mug/kg glucagon. We conclude that the increase in coronary blood flow and the decrease in coronary resistance are mainly secondary to the metabolic effects of the increased myocardial contractility and heart rate, and that there is only an initial direct vasodilating effect on the coronary vessels.