rss
Br J Ophthalmol 2002;86:156-158 doi:10.1136/bjo.86.2.156
  • Scientific correspondence

Sildenafil induces retinal vasodilatation in healthy subjects

  1. Mona Pache,
  2. Peter Meyer,
  3. Christian Prünte,
  4. Selim Orgül,
  5. Ines Nuttli,
  6. Josef Flammer
  1. University Eye Clinic Basel, Switzerland
  1. Correspondence to: Josef Flammer, MD, University Eye Clinic Basel, Mittlere Strasse 91, PO Box, CH-4012 Basel, Switzerland; josef.flammer{at}uhbs.ch
  • Accepted 18 July 2001

Abstract

Background: The cardiovascular effects of sildenafil (Viagra), a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), have been extensively studied. However, its effect on human retinal arteries and veins has not yet been investigated. The effect of a single dose administration of sildenafil on the retinal vessel diameters of healthy subjects was evaluated.

Methods: Sildenafil 50 mg was administered to 10 healthy subjects (male:female = 4:6; mean age 31 (SD 6) years). The diameters of retinal arteries and veins were measured by means of a retinal vessel analyser (RVA) immediately before and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after sildenafil uptake. Blood pressure, heart rate, and intraocular pressure were monitored in parallel.

Results: A significant increase of 5.8% (p<0.001) in both retinal arterial and venous diameters was found 30 minutes after sildenafil uptake. The diameters returned to baseline after 120 minutes. A mild systemic hypotensive response was seen. Changes in heart rate and intraocular pressure were not observed.

Conclusion: Sildenafil causes a significant dilatation of retinal arteries and veins in healthy subjects. A possible role for PDE5 in the regulation of retinal blood flow is implicated.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Register for free content

    The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.