Efficacy of the glyceryl trinitrate transdermal therapeutic system in a dog model of heart failure.

The efficacy of a controlled-release topical dosage form of glyceryl trinitrate (Nitroglycerin Transdermal Therapeutic System, Nitroderm TTS, NTG-TTS; CAS 55-63-0) was studied in the experimental model of congestive heart failure in beagles. NTG-TTS suppressed the increase in left ventricular end-diastolic and central venous pressure, and total peripheral resistance resulting from propranolol, dextran and l-phenylephrine infusion. NTG-TTS antagonized the decrease in cardiac output in this model. These effects of NTG-TTS on congestive heart failure were presumably attributable to the reduction of pre-load, together with direct vasodilation of the peripheral arteries.