The impact of butyric acid on the cardiovascular system.

The influence of sodium salt of butyric acid (C4H7NaO2) on the functional state of the cardiovascular system was studied on 12 guinea-pigs and 15 rabbits by the thermodilution method. The following parameters were determined: cardiac output (CO), arterial blood pressure (AP), total peripheral vascular resistance (TPVR), and in rabbits the heart rate (HR). It was found that butyric acid induces significant changes in TPVR, which correlate with changes in CO and AP. These changes could to a considerable extent be prevented by the administration of indomethacin. Haemodynamic changes induced by butyric acid are primarily connected with changes in vascular tonus, induced by the action of F2 alpha prostaglandins whose synthesis is intensified by the influence of butyric acid.