Effects of nilvadipine on cerebral circulation and metabolism in cats.

Effects of nilvadipine (FK 235) on cerebral circulation and metabolism were examined measuring cerebral oxygen and carbon dioxide tension (BrPO2, BrPCO2), pH (BrpH) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in cats. Nilvadipine (10 micrograms/kg) infused into the carotid artery produced a remarkable and long-lasting decrease in systemic blood pressure, whereas BrPO2 and BrPCO2 increased significantly. The present study suggests that in addition to the improvement of the cerebral circulation, nilvadipine may augment cerebral metabolism.