The Effect of a Cerebral Vasodilator, Vinpocetine, on Cerebral Vascular Resistance Evaluated by the Doppler Ultrasonic Technique in Patients with Cerebrovascular Diseases

• Published in: Angiology 1995-01, Vol.46 (1), p.53-58
• Main Author: Miyazaki, Manabu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Carotid Artery, Internal - drug effects; Carotid Artery, Internal - physiopathology; Cerebrovascular Disorders - diagnostic imaging; Cerebrovascular Disorders - drug therapy; Cerebrovascular Disorders - physiopathology; Humans; Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Neurology; Pulsatile Flow - drug effects; Regional Blood Flow - drug effects; Ultrasonography, Doppler; Vascular diseases and vascular malformations of the nervous system; Vascular Resistance - drug effects; Vasodilator Agents - pharmacology; Vasodilator Agents - therapeutic use; Vinca Alkaloids - pharmacology; Vinca Alkaloids - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0003-3197; 1940-1574
• DOI: 10.1177/000331979504600107

Changes in cerebral vascular resistance were examined in patients with cerebral circulatory diseases by the Doppler ultrasonic technique after administration of a cerebral vasodilator, vinpocetine, for two months. Continuous index (CI) and pulsatility index (PI) of the blood flow pattern in the internal carotid artery were used as objective parameters for changes in cerebral vascular resistance. 1. The CI and PI changed significantly after administration of the drug; ie, the CI increased while the PI decreased. 2. An inverse correlation was noted between the rate of change of the CI (ΔCI) and that of the PI (ΔPI). 3. The results suggest that measurement of the CI and PI by the Doppler ultrasonic technique is useful in investigating the effect of drugs on the cerebral circulation.