Nitrites XIX. studies of the mechanism of action of glyceryl trinitrate

Evidence has been presented to indicate that the dilation of the coronary arteries evoked by glyceryl trinitrate is due to the intact molecule, and 1-Chloro-2,3-propanediol dinitrate containing only two nitrate groups is more refractory to nitrite formation by the vascular bed.

Abstract

Abstract Further evidence has been presented to indicate that the dilation of the coronary arteries evoked by glyceryl trinitrate is due to the intact molecule. 1-Chloro-2,3-propanediol dinitrate (CPD) containing only two nitrate groups, equipotent to glyceryl trinitrate in dilating the perfused coronary vessels of the rabbit, is more refractory to nitrite formation by the vascular bed. The coronary vessels and the vascular bed of the ear have been shown to reduce a fraction of glyceryl trinitrate perfused through them to nitrite. Isosorbide dinitrate evokes increased coronary flow in the rabbit's heart and does not undergo hydrolysis and reduction. The resistance to alkaline hydrolysis has been studied with regard to glyceryl trinitrate and isosorbide and isomannide dinitrates. The latter two dinitrate esters are more resistant to alteration than is glyceryl trinitrate.