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Abstract
Prostacyclin (PGI2), in a wide concentration range, produced neither contraction nor
relaxation of isolated human saphenous vein. Isolated portal veins and vena cava from
normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) responded only with an increase in
contractile tension when exposed to PGI2. This constrictor effect was absent in a
calcium-free buffer. PGI2 failed to relax KCI contracted vena cava. The constrictor
effect of PGI2 on portal vein was attenuated in a glucose-free, oxygen deficient buffer.
No tachyphylaxis or tolerance to the constrictor effect of PGI2 was noted. Results
emphasize that PGI2 may produce differing effects on vascular smooth muscle tension
depending on species and type of blood vessel studied.