Abstract

The effect of ergotamine and ergometrine on the venous compliance of the forearm has been studied in normal persons. Ergotamine tartrate (0·25 mg. intravenously) led to a fall in venous compliance amounting to 49% on average, while ergometrine maleate (0·25 mg. intravenously) caused a reduction of 41%; these changes were statistically significant. The potent veno-constrictor action of these ergot alkaloids appears to be a major component of the circulatory response to small doses and may be important in provoking the harmfull cardiovascular side-effects (such as angina and pulmonary oedema) that are sometimes observed in patients with pre-existing heart disease.