Efficacy of the glyceryl trinitrate transdermal therapeutic system in a dog model of myocardial ischaemia.

The efficacy of a controlled-release topical dosage form of glyceryl trinitrate (Nitroglycerin Transdermal Therapeutic System, Nitroderm TTS, NTG-TTS) was studied in the experimental model of myocardial ischaemia in beagles. At blood concentrations similar to those attained in clinical practice, NTG-TTS suppressed the ST elevation in the electrocardiogram (ECG) reflecting ischaemic change due to coronary ligation and antagonized the decrease in coronary blood flow resulting from intracoronary injection of angiotensin II (Ang II). Like those of the well-known, conventionally administered nitrates, these anti-ischaemic effects of NTG-TTS were presumably attributable to the reduction of pre-load, together with direct vasodilatation of the coronary and peripheral arteries.