Blood flow reductions in stenosed canine coronary arteries: vasospasm or platelet aggregation?

In 67 dogs with a 60-80% coronary stenosis produced by an external constricting plastic ring, blood flow measured with an electromagnetic flowmeter showed cyclical flow reductions of varying magnitude and duration, and then an abrupt return to control flow. In 45 dogs, heparin did not prevent these flow reductions, but ibuprofen (Motrin) or indomethacin abolished them. With incremental doses of each of these drugs, the cyclical flow reduction and the platelet function in vitro were diminished proportionately. In 10 more dogs, during low flow, pinching or poking the narrowed vessel suddenly restored normal flow. Topical application of papaverine and nitroglycerin proximal to the stenosis did not abolish the cyclic flow reduction, although a transient fall in systemic pressure indicated that they had been absorbed. Seven dogs had the constricting cylinder and flow probe chronically implanted for 4-6 weeks. A single oral dose of aspirin, 20 mg/kg, abolished their cyclic flow reductions for 2-4 days. In five dogs with 70% stenosis in the circumflex coronary artery, coronary arteriography was performed before coronary flow reduction and when coronary blood flow was low. This showed that there was a considerable additional reduction in the size of the mechanically constricted lumen during spontaneous flow reduction. In one dog, a nonopacified mass was dislodged from the area of constriction in 67 msec and this restored the lumen to its control diameter. Similar rapid clearing was filmed in two more dogs. In no case was vasospasm observed. These results suggest that obstruction from platelets aggregated in the narrowed lumen caused the cyclic flow reductions.