The direct effect of hypoglycaemic sulphonylureas on myocardial contractile force and arterial blood pressure.

The cardiovascular effects of glibenclamide, gliclazide and carbutamide were studied on myocardial contractile force, cardiac output, mean arterial pressure and heart rate in 43 intact, 14 pancreatectomized and 18 adrenalectomized dogs. It is shown that a positive inotropic and hypertensive effect of hypoglycaemic sulphonylureas develops without the mediation of glucagon, insulin or adrenaline. Contrary to the other investigated sulphonylureas, glibenclamide reduced myocardial contractile force and arterial blood pressure.