Local and systemic effects of endoluminal pelvic perfusion of isoproterenol: a dose response investigation in pigs.

Abstract

Isoproterenol (Sygehus Apotekerne Danmark, Copenhagen, Denmark) is a beta-adrenergic agonist known to cause upper urinary tract relaxation. We studied the local effect on pelvic pressure and the systemic effects of endoluminal perfusion with isoproterenol in a porcine model. Pigs weighing 40 kg were studied. Catheters were placed in the renal pelvis for pressure measurement and perfusion, and a catheter was used to drain the bladder. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. In 6 pigs in group 1 the pelvic pressure increase was examined at increasing flow rates of 0, 2, 5, 8, 10 and 15 ml per minute with saline containing 0, 10(-3), 10(-2), 10(-1), 1 and 10 microg/ml isoproterenol. Blood values of isoproterenol were analyzed. In 6 pigs in group 2 the pelvis was perfused at a flow rate of 8 ml per minute with saline containing 0, 10(-5), 10(-4), 10(-3), 10(-2), 10(-1), 1 and 10 microg/ml isoproterenol. In group 1 endoluminal perfusion with isoproterenol inhibited the pelvic pressure increase due to perfusion at all concentrations of isoproterenol. At a perfusion rate of 8 ml per minute the maximal effect (a 78% decrease) was achieved using 0.1 microg/ml isoproterenol without cardiovascular side effects. In group 2 all isoproterenol concentrations caused significant inhibition of the pressure-flow relationship in a dose dependent matter. A 64% decrease in the pressure increase due to saline perfusion was achieved at 0.1 microg/ml isoproterenol without concomitant significant cardiovascular side effects. Isoproterenol was only detected in plasma during perfusion with 1 and 10 microg/ml isoproterenol, which caused significant cardiovascular side effects in the latter case. Isoproterenol significantly inhibits the pressure increase due to perfusion in the normal porcine renal pelvis without concomitant cardiovascular side effects. Isoproterenol is a safe drug in this porcine model and, hence, it is potentially useful during endourological procedures.