Effects of betahistine HCI, nicotinic acid, and histamine on basilar blood flow in anesthetized dogs

Abstract

An intermandibular-transclival approach to the posterior cranial fossa has been developed which allows exposure of the basilar artery for attachment of a small electromagnetic blood flow transducer. The results of single intravenous injections of betahistine hydrochloridc indicated a mean increase in basilar artery blood flow of 54% and a simultaneous decrease in systemic arterial blood pressure of a duration of action of approximately one minute, Histamine phosphate yielded results similar to betahistine hydrochloride, while nicotinic acid produced only slight increases in blood flow in the basilar artery. © 1971 American Heart Association, Inc.