Abstract
SUMMARY The cardiovascular effects of ornithine-8-vasopressin (POR-8), a new systemic and local vasoconstrictor, have been measured in 12 patients under anaesthesia with either nitrous oxide, or nitrous oxide and 1% halothane. No cardiac dysrhythmias occurred. Peripheral vascular resistance and mean arterial blood pressure were increased and heart rate and cardiac output were reduced. It is suggested that POR-8 be used as a local vasoconstrictor agent during surgery in preference to adrenaline.