Effects of silybin on hemodynamics in anesthetized open-chest cats

Silybin 22, 44, 88 mg/kg iv lowered the amplitude and duration of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) more than those of systolic (SBP). That the descending aortic blood flow (DABF) did not change significantly suggests a reduction of peripheral resistance and dilatatory action on the resistant blood vessels. Silybin 88 mg/kg iv produced a marked depression of cardiac contractility: decreased left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), maximal rate of change of intraventricular pressure (dp/dtmax) and VCE at common peak isovolumetric intraventricular pressure (VCE-CPIP). This drug caused no marked alteration in ECG and heart rate. Toxic dose of silybin caused an elevation of T wave and a depression of A-V conduction.