PHARMACOLOGICAL PRECONDITIONING OF ISCHEMIA

Five repeated submaximal treadmill exercises at 2 h intervals followin g a maximal test prolong walking distance and reduce haemorheological derangement in a second maximal test in patients affected with periphe ral obliterative arterial disease (POAD). An increase in adenosine pla sma levels is observed during maximal tests, thus suggesting the possi bility of an ischaemic preconditioning of lower limbs. The intravenous infusion of 50-100-200 mg buflomedil, and the oral administration of 300-600-900 mg of the drug in POAD patients, also produce an increase in plasma levels of adenosine. Finally, 600 mg buflomedil orally at 12 h intervals produced pulse increase in adenosine plasma levels withou t any accumulation of the drug or adenosine for at least one week. The possibility of a pharmacological preconditioning of ischaemia is sugg ested.