Muscle Relaxing Drugs Can Reduce Lethal Blood Clots

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 05 Nov 2007 - 4:00 PDT

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A study in Respirology published by Wiley-Blackwell finds that muscle relaxing drugs can effectively reduce Pulmonary Embolism (PE) - a blood clot in blood vessels running towards the lungs which impair breathing and often resulting in death.

Lead author of "Beneficial Effects of Hydrocortisone and Papaverine on a Model of Pulmonary Embolism Induced by Autologous Blood Clots in Isolated and Perfused Rabbit Lungs", Dr. Humberto E. Trejo suggests that PE is not merely a physical obstruction but could be affected by other inflammatory factors.

The study shows that PE in isolated rabbit lungs could be attenuated by the vasodilator papaverine - a muscle relaxant which is used to treat hypertension. In addition, a similar phenomenon was seen with the administration of an anti- inflammatory drug, hydrocortisone.

"Traditionally, PE has been explained as a physical phenomenon where the clots obstruct blood flow. The results of the study proves that platelets-blood cells that form clots- are also capable of restricting blood flow and trigger inflammatory responses." says Dr Trejo.

PE occurs in more than 600 000 patients a year in the United States, with almost a third resulting in death. Death due to PE is often instantaneous with up to 90% of patients succumbing within two hours after the onset of symptoms.

Dr. Trejo adds, "These findings have significant therapeutic implications in the management of PE. With further research, we can use vasodilators and anti-inflammatory medications as additional drugs to treat PE."

About Respirology

Respirology is a journal of international standing, publishing peer-reviewed articles of scientific excellence in clinical and experimental respiratory biology and disease and its related fields of research including thoracic surgery, internal medicine, immunology, intensive and critical care, epidemiology, cell and molecular biology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology.

About Wiley-Blackwell

Wiley-Blackwell was formed in February 2007 as a result of the acquisition of Blackwell Publishing Ltd. by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and its merger with Wiley's Scientific, Technical, and Medical business. Together, the companies have created a global publishing business with deep strength in every major academic and professional field. Wiley-Blackwell publishes approximately 1,400 scholarly peer-reviewed journals and an extensive collection of books with global appeal. For more information on Wiley-Blackwell, please visit http://www.blackwellpublishing.com or http://interscience.wiley.com.

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Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Since 1901, Wiley and its acquired companies have published the works of more than 350 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology/Medicine, Chemistry and Peace.

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