Effects of trimethaphan and sodium nitroprusside on cerebral blood flow in rhesus monkeys

In tranquilised spontaneously breathing rhesus monkeys we have found that trimethaphan can reduce systemic blood pressure by 20% with little or no change in CBF. This was in marked contrast to those given nitroprusside which showed signs of loss of autoregulation at a 5% MBP reduction. It is our opinion that the divergence of these results from other work might be explained in part by differing anaesthetic techniques and species variations. On this experience we would be hesitant to use sodium nitroprusside or a hypotensive agent in any patient where cerebral blood flow might be already compromised.