bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MK-801 does not prevent impaired cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 during hypoglycemia in piglets
Authors: St Jacques P. J. , Kirsch J. R. , Diringer M. N. , Traystman R. J.
Published: December 2017

We tested the hypothesis that severe insulin-induced hypoglycemia would depress cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 via a mechanism that could be prevented by administration of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 in infant piglets. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured (microspheres) in 2- to 3-wk-old pentobarbital-anesthetized piglets during hypocapnia, normocapnia, and hypercapnia. Repeat CBF measurements were made either 1 (n = 5) or 2 h (n = 6) after insulin (200 U/kg iv) to elicit the time course of altered reactivity to CO2. Repeat CBF measurements were made in a third group (n = 5) 2 h after treatment with insulin and MK-801 (1.5 mg/kg iv bolus, 0.15 mg.kg-1.h-1 iv infusion) to determine whether any alteration in reactivity to CO2 was due to a mechanism involving the NMDA receptor. Cerebrovascular resistance and cerebral O2 consumption (CMRO2) were calculated with each measurement of CBF. Cerebrovascular response to CO2 (change in cerebrovascular resistance/change in arterial CO2 tension) was ablated in the group of piglets exposed to 1 or 2 h of hypoglycemia (preinsulin 1-h group, 0.038 +/- 0.007; preinsulin 2-h group, 0.023 +/- 0.004 mmHg.ml-1.min.100 g.mmHg CO2(-1)). Treatment with MK-801 did not alter normoglycemic CO2 reactivity (preinsulin, 0.032 +/- 0.005 mmHg.ml-1.min.100 g.mmHg CO2(-1)) and did not prevent ablation of cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity during hypoglycemia. CMRO2 was not affected by hypoglycemia in any group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Developmental differences in endothelium-dependent responses in isolated ovine pulmonary arteries and veins
Authors: Steinhorn R. H. , Morin F. C. , Gugino S. F. , Giese E. C. , Russell J. A.
Published: December 2017

Despite evidence for an important role for endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in transitional circulation, previous in vitro studies of newborn pulmonary arteries have demonstrated diminished EDRF activity when compared with arteries from older animals. We studied pulmonary arteries and veins isolated from early newborn and juvenile sheep using standard tissue bath techniques. Incubation of vessels with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) constricted veins but not arteries from both age groups. Further studies using preconstricted vessels revealed that arteries relaxed to acetylcholine (ACh), with significantly greater responses observed in juvenile arteries. Veins from both age groups contracted to ACh. Pretreatment with prostaglandin inhibitors (indomethacin and SQ 29,548) diminished ACh relaxations in pulmonary arteries from both age groups, greatly enhanced relaxations to ACh in newborn pulmonary veins, and depressed contractions in juvenile pulmonary veins. Removal of endothelium mechanically or functionally with prostaglandin inhibitors and L-NNA eliminated relaxations to ACh in pulmonary arteries from both age groups and resulted in contractions in veins. We conclude that isolated pulmonary veins from newborn sheep exhibit both baseline and stimulated release of EDRF, and we speculate that these venous responses may be important in the transitional pulmonary circulation.
Differential blockade of central effects of angiotensin II by AT2-receptor antagonists
Authors: Widdop R. E. , Gardiner S. M. , Kemp P. A. , Bennett T.
Published: December 2017

In conscious, chronically instrumented, male Long-Evans rats, we showed previously that central administration (intracerebroventricular) of the AT1-receptor antagonist EXP-3174 (1 microgram) caused a rapid-onset marked, but transient, blockade of the regional hemodynamic responses to intracerebroventricular angiotensin II (ANG II). In contrast, the AT2-receptor antagonist PD-123319 (80 micrograms) caused a slow-onset, but marked and persistent, antagonism of the effects of intracerebroventricular ANG II. In the present study we attempted to mimic the actions of PD-123319 by giving a supramaximal dose of EXP-3174 (10 micrograms), and we also assessed the effects of PD-123177 (80 micrograms), an AT2-receptor antagonist that differs from PD-123319 only by a dimethyl group. The higher dose of EXP-3174 did not exert prolonged antagonistic effects against responses to intracerebroventricular ANG II, and PD-123177 was without inhibitory effects in this model. The results indicate important functional differences between putative AT2-receptor antagonists, when assessed in vivo, that are not apparent from binding studies.
Angiotensin II increases cardiac protein synthesis in adult rat heart
Authors: Geenen D. L. , Malhotra A. , Scheuer J.
Published: December 2017

This study examined the direct effect of angiotensin II (ANG II) on cardiac muscle atrophy previously observed in the denervated rat heart. Rats with transplanted hearts were infused with normal saline (1 microliter/h) or a subpressor dose of ANG II dissolved in saline (3 micrograms.kg-1.h-1) for 1 wk. Left ventricular (LV) mass of transplanted hearts decreased by 29 and 18% in the saline-infused and ANG II-infused groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Total LV protein synthesis of the transplanted heart was 1.4 +/- 0.1 mg.LV-1.day-1 in the saline compared with 2.2 +/- 0.2 mg.LV-1.day-1 in the ANG II (P < 0.05) group. Heart rate and carotid systolic arterial pressures were not affected by ANG II infusion, and the decrease in alpha-myosin heavy chain normally observed in this model was unchanged between the two groups (61 +/- 3 and 66 +/- 1%, saline vs. ANG II). These data demonstrate that ANG II increases total cardiac protein synthesis in the adult heart, leading to an attenuation in cardiac atrophy. The failure of ANG II to prevent the shift from alpha- to beta-myosin heavy chain may be related to its lack of an effect on heart rate, since other interventions that affect myosin isoenzyme distribution also increase heart rate.
Evidence for physiological functions of protein phosphatases in the heart: evaluation with okadaic acid
Authors: Neumann J. , Boknik P. , Herzig S. , Schmitz W. , Scholz H. , Gupta R. C. , Watanabe A. M.
Published: December 2017

Okadaic acid exerts a positive inotropic effect in cardiac preparations. We studied whether the positive inotropic effect of okadaic acid in cardiac preparations could be due to phosphatase inhibition and whether this inhibition affects the phosphorylation of cardiac proteins. In papillary muscles from guinea pigs, 30 microM okadaic acid increased force of contraction to 175% of predrug value. In isolated guinea pig ventricular cardiomyocytes, okadaic acid augmented single Ca(2+)-channel currents by enhancing channel availability. In homogenates from ventricles, 1 microM okadaic acid completely inhibited phosphorylase a phosphatase activity. In isolated 32P-labeled ventricular cardiomyocytes, 30 microM okadaic acid increased phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLB) and troponin inhibitor (TnI) to 325 and 284% of control, respectively. Furthermore, 30 microM okadaic acid increased phosphorylation of a hitherto unknown 23-kDa protein to 352% of control. It is concluded that the effects of okadaic acid could be mediated by increasing the phosphorylation state of several proteins including PLB, a 23-kDa protein, and TnI.
Morphometry of pig coronary arterial trees
Authors: Kassab G. S. , Rider C. A. , Tang N. J. , Fung Y. C.
Published: December 2017

To establish a mathematical model of the tree like arteries for the purpose of hemodynamic analysis, a complete set of morphometric data of pig coronary arteries is presented. For the purpose of mathematical modeling, three innovations in morphometry are introduced: 1) a rule for assigning the order numbers of the vessels on the basis of diameter ranges, 2) a connectivity matrix to describe asymmetric branching, and 3) a measurement of the fraction of vessel segments connected in series. The morphometric measurements were made with the silicone elastomer-casting method. Data on smaller vessels were obtained from histological specimens by optical sectioning. Data on larger vessels were obtained from vascular casts. The order number, diameter, length, connectivity matrix, and fractions of the vessels of a given order connected in series were measured for all orders of vessels of the right coronary artery and the left anterior descending and left circumflex branches. The data can be used to analyze the longitudinal distribution of blood pressure and volume and spatial distribution of perfusion in myocardium.
Coronary arterial tree remodeling in right ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Kassab G. S. , Imoto K. , White F. C. , Rider C. A. , Fung Y. C. , Bloor C. M.
Published: December 2017

We investigated coronary vascular adaptations occurring in right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH). Six pigs had RVH induced by pulmonary artery stenosis for 5 wk. Three pigs served as controls. At autopsy we made silicone elastomer casts of the right coronary arteries (RCA) and collected morphometric data. We organized the segments and their diameters and lengths into a framework of a modified Strahler's ordering scheme in which the order number of an offspring is increased only if its diameter is greater than the diameters of its parents by a specific amount. The segments of the same order arranged in series are combined into elements. In RVH the total number of orders of vessels was larger than the control by 1; the total number of elements in each order increased greatly, whereas the diameters and lengths of each order decreased somewhat. The total RCA resistance decreased in RVH mainly because the total cross-sectional area (CSA) of every order was increased. Because the diameters of the resistance vessels decreased, this decrease in total RCA resistance was due to a numerical increase in resistance vessels. These findings indicate that new flow channels have been established. In contrast, the RCA was remodeled in that the lumen diameter increased. Pressure-flow curves showed a decrease of coronary resistance in RVH, in agreement with the morphometric findings. We conclude that there is significant remodeling of the coronary arterial vasculature in RVH, and any future analysis of coronary hemodynamics of the right ventricle in hypertrophy must take the morphometric remodeling into account.
Role of nitric oxide in leukotriene C4-induced increases in microvascular transport
Authors: Mayhan W. G.
Published: December 2017

The goal of this study was to determine the role of nitric oxide in alterations in macromolecular transport of the hamster cheek pouch in vivo in response to leukotriene C4. We used intravital fluorescent microscopy to examine the transport of macromolecules across the hamster cheek pouch in response to leukotriene C4 before and after application of an enzymatic inhibitor of nitric oxide, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 1.0 microM). Increases in transport of macromolecules across the hamster cheek pouch were quantitated by the formation of venular leaky sites and clearance of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dextran; mol wt = 70 K). Leukotriene C4 (1.0 and 3.0 nM) produced an increase in the number of venular leaky sites and clearance of FITC-dextran-70K. Superfusion of L-NMMA (1.0 microM) significantly decreased leukotriene C4-induced increases in venular leaky sites and clearance of FITC-dextran-70K. In addition, superfusion of LY-83583 (10 microM) significantly decreased leukotriene C4-induced increases in venular leaky sites. In contrast, superfusion of NG-monomethyl-D-arginine (D-NMMA; 1.0 microM), indomethacin (10 mg/kg iv), or diphenhydramine hydrochloride; 15–20 mg/kg iv) did not significantly alter leukotriene C4-induced increases in venular leaky sites. Thus these findings suggest that production of nitric oxide and subsequent activation of guanylate cyclase play an important role in formation of venular leaky sites and clearance of FITC-dextran-70K in response to application of leukotriene C4.
Endothelium-derived nitric oxide reduces baseline venous tone in awake instrumented rats
Authors: Glick M. R. , Gehman J. D. , Gascho J. A.
Published: December 2017

To determine whether nitric oxide, which is likely endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), modulates baseline venous tone, the effects of intravenous NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) (3–25 mg/kg), an EDRF inhibitor, on mean circulatory filling pressure (MCFP) were determined in 10 awake instrumented rats. MCFP, the equilibrated systemic pressure occurring when the circulation is arrested by transient inflation of a balloon in the right atrium, is a measure of total venous capacitance. L-NMMA caused a dose-dependent increase in mean arterial pressure and a dose-dependent decrease in heart rate. MCFP rose from 6.6 +/- 0.2 to 7.6 +/- 0.2 mmHg at the highest L-NMMA dose. The effects of L-NMMA on MCFP were reversed with L-arginine. In an additional four rats, in which hexamethonium was administered to induce ganglionic blockade, L-NMMA (25 mg/kg) caused a similar increase in MCFP (4.1 +/- 0.6 to 5.0 +/- 0.7 mmHg, P = 0.22) during the ganglionic blocked state as during the control unblocked state. These findings suggest that nitric oxide, which is likely EDRF, reduces baseline venous tone.
Neutral axis location in bending and Young's modulus of different layers of arterial wall
Authors: Yu Q. , Zhou J. , Fung Y. C.
Published: December 2017

With few exceptions, experimental results on the blood vessel elasticity have been analyzed with the blood vessel wall treated as a homogeneous material, probably because the experiments have been limited to inflation and stretching. To advance the subject, we must evaluate the force-deformation relationship of different layers of the vessel. A key strategy to do this is to study nonaxisymmetric deformation of the vessel wall so that the different layers of the vessel may deform in different amounts at different places. One of the most effective nonaxisymmetric deformations that can be imposed on the vessel wall is bending. The first important question to ask about bending is, Where is the neutral axis? In this study, a method to determine the neutral axis is presented. We found that the neutral axis of the aorta of the pig lies in the medial layer about one-third of the wall thickness from the endothelium. We measured the strain distribution in the vessel wall by optical methods. Using the load-deflection relationship, we evaluated the Young's modulus of the intima-media layer and that of the adventitia. They differ by an order of magnitude. Our results show that the Young's modulus of the intima-media layer of the pig thoracic aorta is 43.2 +/- 15.8 kPa, whereas the Young's modulus of the adventitial layer is 4.70 +/- 1.72 kPa, in a linear range of the stress-strain relationship including the zero-stress state and the no-load state.
Relationship between capillary and systemic venous PO2 during nonhypoxic and hypoxic ventilation
Authors: Stein J. C. , Ellis C. G. , Ellsworth M. L.
Published: December 2017

We evaluated the relationship between end-capillary and systemic venous PO2 values in the retractor muscle of 14 anesthetized hamsters during both nonhypoxic and hypoxic ventilation to ascertain whether the level of tissue oxygenation could be reliably estimated from the systemic parameter. End-capillary PO2 was estimated from measurements of oxygen saturation in capillaries at the venular end of the network obtained using in vivo video microscopy and computer-aided image-analysis techniques at three different levels of inspired oxygen (0.3, 0.21, and 0.1). Measurements of systemic arterial and venous blood gases were made in conjunction with these capillary determinations. In addition, in a portion of the study we utilized an oxygen microelectrode to determine the PO2 in the first-order venule draining the portion of the muscle containing the capillaries under study. We found that only when the animals were made acutely hypoxic was there any correspondence between the systemic venous and end-capillary PO2 values. In addition, these data provide support for the presence of arteriovenous shunting of oxygen during nonhypoxic ventilation.
Mechanisms of control of skin blood flow during prolonged exercise in humans
Authors: Kellogg D. L. , Johnson J. M. , Kenney W. L. , Pergola P. E. , Kosiba W. A.
Published: December 2017

Exercise in a warm environment raises internal temperature and leads to a rapid increase in skin blood flow (SkBF). As exercise continues, and internal temperature approaches 38 degrees C, the rate of rise of SkBF is markedly attenuated despite further significant increases in internal temperature. To find whether this attenuation is mediated by increased cutaneous active vasoconstrictor activity or by a reduced rate of rise of active vasodilator activity, each of 12 male subjects had 0.64 cm2 forearm skin sites iontophoretically treated with bretylium tosylate for selective local blockade of noradrenergic vasoconstrictor nerves. SkBF was monitored there and at adjacent untreated control sites by laser-Doppler blood flowmetry (LDF). Whole body skin temperature (Tsk) was controlled by water-perfused suits, and esophageal temperature (Tes) was monitored as an index of internal temperature. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored and cutaneous vascular conductance was calculated as LDF/MAP. Sweat rate was also monitored by dew point hygrometry in 11 subjects. Tsk was raised to 38 degrees C, after which subjects began 20-30 min of exercise on a bicycle ergometer. The rate of the initial rapid increase in SkBF with increasing Tes was not altered by bretylium treatment (P > 0.05 between sites). The attenuation of the rate of rise during the latter phase of exercise was not abolished by bretylium treatment (P > 0.05 between sites); instead, there was a trend for the attenuation to be enhanced at those sites. We conclude that the attenuated rate of rise of SkBF is due to limitation of active vasodilator activity and not due to increased vasoconstrictor tone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Role of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in CGRP-induced dilatation of basilar artery in vivo
Authors: Kitazono T. , Heistad D. D. , Faraci F. M.
Published: December 2017

Stimulation of adenylate cyclase appears to activate ATP-sensitive K+ channels in the basilar artery. We tested the hypothesis that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which increases intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels, activates ATP-sensitive K+ channels and thereby causes vasodilatation. Using a cranial window in anesthetized rats, we examined responses of the basilar artery to CGRP in vivo. We also examined responses of the artery to another vasoactive peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Topical application of CGRP (10(-11) to 10(-8) M) increased diameter of the basilar artery. Responses of the basilar artery to CGRP were almost abolished by a CGRP1 receptor antagonist, CGRP-(8-37). Vasodilatation in response to VIP was much smaller than that produced by CGRP. Dilator responses of the basilar artery to 10(-9) and 10(-8) M CGRP were inhibited by glibenclamide (10(-6) M), a selective inhibitor of ATP-sensitive K+ channels, by 69 +/- 19 and 41 +/- 9%, respectively. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10(-5) M), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, did not attenuate dilator response to 10(-8) M CGRP but inhibited responses to 10(-9) M CGRP by 34 +/- 12%. Indomethacin did not alter dilator responses to CGRP. These findings suggest that a minor component of CGRP-induced dilatation of the basilar artery is mediated by endothelium-derived relaxing factor. Vasodilatation in response to CGRP appears to be mediated primarily by direct activation of CGRP1 receptors on vascular muscle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
NK1 receptors mediate tachykinin-induced increase in microvascular clearance in hamster cheek pouch
Authors: Gao X. P. , Robbins R. A. , Snider R. M. , Lowe J. , Rennard S. I. , Anding P. , Rubinstein I.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the receptor subtype(s) that mediates tachykinin-induced neurogenic plasma extravasation in the hamster cheek pouch. Changes in microvascular clearance were quantified by counting the number of leaky sites and calculating the clearance of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran [mol wt 70,000 (Dextran 70)] during suffusion of the cheek pouch with substance P, neurokinin A, neurokinin B, and capsaicin. Suffusion of substance P, capsaicin, and neurokinin A, but not neurokinin B, was associated with a significant concentration-dependent increase in leaky site formation and clearance of fluorescein isothiocyanate-Dextran 70 (P < 0.05). However, the responses to substance P and capsaicin were significantly greater than those to neurokinin A. Pretreatment with the selective, nonpeptide NK1 receptor antagonist, CP-96,345, significantly attenuated substance P- and capsaicin-induced but not neurokinin A-induced responses (P < 0.05). These effects were specific, since the 2R,3R enantiomer, CP-96,344, was inactive, and CP-96,345 had no significant effect on adenosine-induced responses. We conclude that, in the hamster cheek pouch, NK1 receptors are the predominant receptors that mediate neurogenic plasma extravasation.
Arterial compliance and its control by the baroreflex in hypertensive dogs
Authors: Brunner M. J. , Bishop G. G. , Shigemi K.
Published: December 2017

The effect of the carotid baroreflex on systemic arterial compliance was tested in normotensive and Goldblatt hypertensive dogs. After the development of experimental hypertension, dogs were acutely anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium and vagotomized. The carotid sinuses were then isolated and held at controlled carotid sinus pressures (CSP) of 50, 125, and 200 mmHg. The dogs were placed on constant flow, constant venous pressure, cardiopulmonary bypass. Arterial compliance was determined from the time constant of the exponential fall in arterial pressure, which occurred when the flow was stopped at three different levels of CSP. The reflex characteristic curve (mean arterial pressure vs. CSP) was shifted upward and to the right in the hypertensive group. Arterial compliance significantly decreased with decreasing CSP, but at any given level of CSP, arterial compliance was not different in the normotensive and hypertensive groups. A nonlinear analysis revealed that the arterial compliance-arterial pressure relationship was not altered by Goldblatt experimental hypertension. The results of this study indicate that the arterial compliance is primarily a function of the absolute level of arterial pressure. Baroreflex control of arterial compliance is important at lower levels of arterial pressure.
Regional blood flow in canine atria during exercise
Authors: Bauman R. P. , Rembert J. C. , Greenfield J. C.
Published: December 2017

Global and regional atrial blood flow was measured with radioisotope-labeled microspheres in eight dogs during rest and two levels of exercise. Both mean right and left atrial blood flow increased significantly (P < 0.05) to a similar degree with each level of exercise (right atria: 0.27 +/- 0.04, 0.89 +/- 0.11, and 1.57 +/- 0.21 ml.min-1 x g-1; left atria: 0.35 +/- 0.04, 0.90 +/- 0.09, and 1.61 +/- 0.17 ml.min-1 x g-1). Atrial blood flow during exercise is greater than anticipated if increased heart rate was the sole cause. In both right and left atria the ratio of appendage to nonappendage flow was significantly (P < 0.005) less than one during resting conditions (0.42 +/- 0.04 and 0.81 +/- 0.05, respectively), not different from unity during mild exercise, and significantly (P < 0.02) greater than one during moderate exercise (1.10 +/- 0.03 and 1.16 +/- 0.05, respectively). This disparity in the blood flow to the appendage and nonappendage regions suggests that the appendage plays an augmented hemodynamic role during exercise, thus requiring a larger proportion of the nutrient flow.
Pertussis toxin-induced ADP ribosylation of inhibitor G proteins alters vagal control of heart rate in vivo
Authors: Adamson P. B. , Hull S. S. , Vanoli E. , De Ferrari G. M. , Wisler P. , Foreman R. D. , Watanabe A. M. , Schwartz P. J.
Published: December 2017

Prior studies have shown that in vivo systemic administration of pertussis toxin in conscious dogs catalyzes ADP ribosylation of Gi and G(o) proteins, which attenuates intracellular transduction of muscarinic receptor activation. We tested the hypothesis that this impairment may result in the alteration of the following indexes of cardiac vagal activity: baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability. Heart rates during submaximal exercise were also determined. These variables were measured in eight conscious dogs before and 72 hr after pertussis toxin administration. Pertussis toxin significantly reduced (P < 0.001) baroreflex sensitivity (from 18.7 +/- 2.6 to 6.8 +/- 1.4 ms/mmHg), the SD of the mean R-R intervals (from 176 +/- 17 to 61 +/- 7 ms), the mean R-R interval (from 742 +/- 32 to 527 +/- 29 ms), and the coefficient of variance [from 235 +/- 15 to 114 +/- 1 (x 1,000)]. The heart rate response to graded submaximal exercise after pertussis toxin was higher (P < 0.001) at each exercise level. In in vitro assay, cardiac tissue samples from pertussis toxin-treated dogs incorporated 10-fold less ADP ribose than what has been described previously. These data prove that the in vivo action of pertussis toxin on cardiac inhibitory G proteins has direct consequences on end-organ cardiac responses to vagal activity. This study quantifies the physiological consequences of pertussis toxin-induced impairment of inhibitory G proteins in conscious animals.
Rapid expression of the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger in response to cardiac pressure overload
Authors: Kent R. L. , Rozich J. D. , McCollam P. L. , McDermott D. E. , Thacker U. F. , Menick D. R. , McDermott P. J. , Cooper G.
Published: December 2017

This report identifies a rapid increase in the expression of cardiac Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger mRNA in response to an acute pressure overload. This enhanced exchanger expression appeared within 1 h after the onset of right ventricular pressure overload in the cat and was sustained during cardiac overloading for at least 4 h. Maintenance of this right ventricular pressure overload for 48 h evoked an increase in the production of exchanger protein. Because of our previous finding that load imposition on the heart initiates cell growth and our hypothesis that this is in response to the enhanced entry of cellular cations, we then examined the effect of Na+ influx into cultured adult cardiac myocytes, or cardiocytes, in terms of early anabolic responses. Pressure overload of the heart and cardiocyte Na+ influx were found to produce a common, rapid result in terms of both enhanced Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger expression and accelerated synthesis of general and contractile proteins, the hallmarks of cardiac hypertrophy.
Selective brain cooling increases cortical cerebral blood flow in rats
Authors: Kuluz J. W. , Prado R. , Chang J. , Ginsberg M. D. , Schleien C. L. , Busto R.
Published: December 2017

To evaluate the effect of selective brain cooling on cortical cerebral blood flow, we reduced brain temperature in nitrous oxide anesthetized adult rats using a high speed fan while keeping rectal temperature at 37-38 degrees C. During selective brain cooling, cortical cerebral blood flow, as measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry, increased to 215 +/- 26% (mean +/- SE) of baseline at a cortical brain temperature of 30.9 +/- 0.5 degrees C and a rectal temperature of 37.5 +/- 0.1 degrees C. During rewarming, as brain temperature increased, cortical cerebral blood flow decreased. The cerebral vasodilatory response to hypothermia may explain its protective effects during and after cerebral ischemia.
In vivo B2-receptor-mediated negative chronotropic effect of bradykinin in canine sinus node
Authors: Ribuot C. , Godin D. , Couture R. , Regoli D. , Nadeau R.
Published: December 2017

The chronotropic response to bradykinin (BK) injected into the sinus node artery was evaluated in anesthetized dogs. The animals (n = 14) were vagotomized and pretreated with propranolol (1 mg/kg i.v.) to prevent baroreceptor-mediated effects. Dose-dependent decreases in heart rate (from 2.4 +/- 1.3% for 1 microgram of BK to 13.1 +/- 3.7% for 10 micrograms of BK), as well as a significant fall in systemic systolic and diastolic blood pressures, were observed. Captopril (2 mg/kg i.v.) caused significant decreases in systolic (from 117 +/- 11 to 77 +/- 12 mmHg, P < 0.001) and diastolic (from 87 +/- 8 to 52 +/- 8 mmHg, P < 0.001) blood pressures but had no effect on heart rate. Converting-enzyme inhibition potentiated the BK-induced bradycardia. The new potent B2-receptor antagonist, HOE 140 (100 micrograms), significantly blocked the BK-induced chronotropic effect, whereas desArg9-BK, a B1-receptor agonist, was without effect. Prostaglandin involvement was excluded, since pretreatment with indomethacin did not prevent the bradycardia. In conclusion, in vivo BK induces a direct negative chronotropic effect, which is potentiated by converting-enzyme inhibition and is mediated by the B2-receptors independently of the prostaglandins.
Ejecting deactivation does not affect O2 consumption-pressure-volume area relation in dog hearts
Authors: Kawaguchi O. , Goto Y. , Futaki S. , Ohgoshi Y. , Yaku H. , Hata K. , Takasago T. , Saeki A. , Suga H.
Published: December 2017

We studied the effects of ejection velocity and resistive properties of the left ventricle (LV) on myocardial oxygen consumption (VO2) in 13 excised cross-circulated dog hearts. Increases in peak ejection velocity (-dV/dt) from 4.0 +/- 1.3 (SD) end-diastolic volume (EDV)/s to 12.7 +/- 5.3 EDV/s with constant EDV and end-systolic volume (velocity run) induced systolic pressure deficit. This decreased pressure-volume area (PVA; a measure of ventricular mechanical energy) and LV end-systolic elastance (Emax) by 47 +/- 14 and 38 +/- 15%, respectively. Unchanged maximum rate of left ventricular pressure rise and time-varying elastance during the isovolumic contraction period at the same EDV indicated that these contractions started with the same contractile state although the quicker ejection caused the greater deactivation. If the PVA deficit due to systolic pressure deficit is attributable to an internal energy-dissipating resistive element, VO2 in the velocity run will not as much decrease in proportion to PVA as in the isovolumic or slowly ejecting control run. However, the decreases in PVA due to increased -dV/dt decreased VO2 to the same extent as in the control run. This result negated the possibility that the pressure and PVA deficits would be caused by a mechanical energy-losing process. The same results were obtained whether or not Emax was decreased by quick ejection. We conclude that the pressure and PVA deficits and the proportionally decreased VO2 during quick ejection are mainly attributable to suppression of a ventricular mechanical energy generation process, but not of mechanical energy-losing process, by ejecting deactivation.
Attenuation of postexertional hypotension by cardiac afferent blockade
Authors: Collins H. L. , DiCarlo S. E.
Published: December 2017

Naloxone eliminates postexertional hypotension (PEH) in human and animal models. The effect of naloxone on sympathetic activity during hemorrhage and generation of arterial baroreflex function curves can be stimulated by blockade of cardiac afferent receptors. We tested the hypothesis that cardiac afferent blockade would eliminate PEH in eight spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Rats were instrumented with a Silastic-tipped catheter inserted into the pericardial space. Four weeks later, a Teflon catheter was placed in the descending aorta via the left common carotid artery for measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). MAP and HR were examined before (preexercise) and after (postexercise) a single bout of dynamic treadmill exercise (9-12.0 m/min, 10-18% grade for 30-40 min) under three experimental conditions: control, cardiac efferent blockade, and combined cardiac efferent and afferent blockade. MAP significantly decreased (29 +/- 5 and 25.6 +/- 4 mmHg) in the control and cardiac efferent blockade conditions after exercise. However, when cardiac afferents were blocked, the hypotensive response to mild dynamic exercise was significantly attenuated (-6 +/- 3 mmHg). Thus blockade of cardiac afferents eliminated PEH in the SHR. These data suggest that inhibitory influence of cardiac afferents on the circulation may be enhanced after exercise.
Acute exercise enhances nitric oxide modulation of vascular response to phenylephrine
Authors: Patil R. D. , DiCarlo S. E. , Collins H. L.
Published: December 2017

The influence of the release of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) on the vasoconstrictor response to phenylephrine (PE) was evaluated before and after a single bout of dynamic exercise. Each rat ran on a motor-driven treadmill at 12-18 m/min, 10-18% grade until exhaustion (avg time 45 min). Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6) were instrumented with a Doppler ultrasonic flow probe around the right common iliac artery. Just distal to the flow probe, a catheter was placed into the right iliac artery for local infusions. A Teflon catheter was placed in the descending aorta to measure mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). PE (0.005-0.075 microgram/kg) and NO inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME, 0.2-0.25 mg/kg) were injected into the functionally isolated hindlimb. HR and MAP were not altered by any of the injections because we selected doses below those which elicited systemic responses. Dose-response curves to PE were generated in the control and postexercise condition, with and without the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME. Exercise significantly attenuated the maximal vasoconstrictor response to PE (45.6 +/- 1.6%). L-NAME enhanced the maximal vasoconstrictor response to PE 49.8 +/- 4.5% in the control condition and 121.4 +/- 5.9% in the postexercise conditions. Thus, although NO inhibition enhanced the vasoconstrictor response to PE in the control and postexercise conditions, the enhanced vasoconstrictor response to PE after L-NAME was significantly greater in the postexercise condition. Results suggest that NO contributes to the exercise induced attenuation of alpha 1-adrenergic receptor stimulation.
Is rapid rise in vascular conductance at onset of dynamic exercise due to muscle pump?
Authors: Sheriff D. D. , Rowell L. B. , Scher A. M.
Published: December 2017

We tested the hypothesis that rapid increases in muscle blood flow and vascular conductance (C) at onset of dynamic exercise are caused by the muscle pump. We measured arterial (AP) and central venous pressure (CVP) in nine awake dogs, eight with atrioventricular block, pacemakers, and ascending aortic flow probes for control of cardiac output (CO) (2 also had terminal aortic flow probes). One dog had only an iliac artery probe. At exercise onset (0 and 10% grade, 4 mph) C and CVP rose to early plateaus, and AP reached a nadir, all in 2-5 s. At 20% grade and 4 mph, C increased continuously after its initial sudden rise. Timing and magnitude of initial change in conductance (delta C) were independent of CO, AP, work rate (change in grade at constant speed), or autonomic function (blocked by hexamethonium). Speed of initial delta C and its independence from work rate and blood flow ruled out metabolic vasodilation as its cause; insensitivity to AP and autonomic blockade ruled out myogenic relaxation and sympathetic vasodilation as causes of sudden delta C. Sensitivity to contraction frequency (not work per se) implicates the muscle pump. When reflexes were blocked, a large secondary rise in C, presumably caused by metabolic vasodilation, began after 10 s of mild exercise. When reflexes were intact in mild exercise, C was lowered below its initial plateau by sympathetic vasoconstriction, which partially raised AP from its nadir toward its preexercise level. Our conclusion is that dynamic exercise has a large rapid effect on C that is not explained by known neural, metabolic, myogenic, or hydrostatic influences.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Mechanisms of isoproterenol-induced atrial natriuretic peptide release from superfused rabbit atria
Authors: Azizi C. , Carayon A. , Masson F. , Noe E. , Barthelemy C. , Eurin J. , Maistre G. , Legrand J. C.
Published: December 2017

The mechanisms for isoproterenol-induced atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) release were studied in superfused rabbit sliced right atria. Addition of 1 microM norepinephrine to this preparation induced a significant monophasic twofold rise in ANP release. This effect was abolished by 1 microM propranolol and mimicked by 1 microM isoproterenol. Furthermore, addition of 200 microM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) to the superfusing medium potentiated isoproterenol effect 31%. In addition, superfusion of slices with 0.5 mM N6,2-O-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate [(Bu)-2cAMP] enhanced ANP release in the same manner as the beta-agonist. After isoproterenol stimulation, adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) concentration in effluents increased significantly. ANP secretory response to isoproterenol was unaffected by extracellular calcium concentration or 1 mM ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA). Finally, 10 microM indomethacin significantly reduced isoproterenol-stimulated ANP release. It is concluded that 1) norepinephrine-induced ANP release is mediated by its beta-agonist activity, 2) isoproterenol-stimulated release appears to be mediated by cAMP, 3) isoproterenol effect does not require extracellular calcium, and 4) prostaglandins may be involved in this beta-adrenergic effect.
Importance of venular flow in control of arteriolar diameter in hamster cremaster muscle
Authors: Saito Y. , Eraslan A. , Hester R. L.
Published: December 2017

These experiments tested the hypothesis that an intact venular flow is important for the control of upstream arteriolar diameter during an increase in metabolism. A silicone stopcock grease dam was placed across the distal portion of the cremaster muscle to localize treatment of the metabolic stimulator 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). Thus only the distal area would have an increased metabolic rate, with the proximal area of the cremaster having a normal metabolic rate. During DNP treatment, the first-order venule, approximately 5 mm proximal to the Silastic dam, was occluded to prevent the transport of metabolites. DNP treatment (10 mM) resulted in a significant increase in the arteriolar diameter from 75 +/- 3 to 90 +/- 4 microns (n = 7, P < 0.05), 12.1 +/- 0.3 mm upstream from the distal region. After venular occlusion, arteriolar diameter decreased to 78 +/- 3 microns (P < 0.05). As an additional test of our hypothesis we altered the experimental sequence. DNP treatment during venular occlusion did not affect arteriolar diameter, but after release of the occlusion there was a significant increase in arteriolar diameter from 78 +/- 3 to 91 +/- 4 microns (P < 0.05). These results suggest that an intact venular flow is necessary for control of arteriolar diameter during an increased metabolic rate caused by DNP treatment, providing evidence for the significance of the venular-arteriolar diffusion of vasoactive metabolites.
Endothelin-1 produces pulmonary vasodilation in the intact newborn lamb
Authors: Wong J. , Vanderford P. A. , Fineman J. R. , Chang R. , Soifer S. J.
Published: December 2017

The vascular endothelium mediates, in part, pulmonary vascular tone. Because endothelin-1 (ET-1), a paracrine hormone produced by vascular endothelial cells, has vasoactive properties, we investigated the hemodynamic effects of intrapulmonary injections of ET-1 in eight intact newborn lambs at rest and during pulmonary hypertension. At rest, ET-1 (50-1,000 ng/kg) did not change pulmonary arterial pressure. During pulmonary hypertension induced by the infusion of U46619 (a thromboxane A2 mimic), ET-1 (50-1,000 ng/kg) produced a selective dose-dependent decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure (5.8 +/- 3.9 to 32.9 +/- 6.9%; P < 0.05). Similarly, during pulmonary hypertension induced by alveolar hypoxia, ET-1 (50-500 ng/kg) produced a selective dose-dependent decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure (7.2 +/- 3.6 to 26.1 +/- 3.3%; P < 0.05). The decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure produced by ET-1 (250 ng/kg) was attenuated by N omega-nitro-L-arginine (an inhibitor of endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthesis, 23.7 +/- 3.4 vs. 12.5 +/- 4.7%; P < 0.05) and by glibenclamide (an ATP-gated potassium-channel blocker, 25.2 +/- 5.0 vs. 9.6 +/- 5.3%; P < 0.05) but not by meclofenamic acid (an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis). ET-1 is a pulmonary vasodilator during pulmonary hypertension in the intact newborn lamb. The vasodilating properties are mediated, in part, by release of endothelium-derived nitric oxide, and by activation of ATP-gated potassium channels.
Modulation of calcium homeostasis in cultured rat aortic endothelial cells by intracellular acidification
Authors: Ziegelstein R. C. , Cheng L. , Blank P. S. , Spurgeon H. A. , Lakatta E. G. , Hansford R. G. , Capogrossi M. C.
Published: December 2017

Acidosis produces vasodilation in a process that may involve the vascular endothelium. Because synthesis and release of endothelium-derived vasodilatory substances are linked to an increase in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), we examined the effect of intracellular acidification on cultured rat aortic endothelial cells loaded either with the pH-sensitive probe carboxy-seminaphthorhodafluor-1 or the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent probe indo 1. The basal cytosolic pH (pHi) of endothelial monolayers in a 5% CO2-HCO3- buffer was 7.27 +/- 0.02 and that in a bicarbonate-free solution was 7.22 +/- 0.03. Acidification was induced either by removal of NH4Cl (delta pHi = -0.10 +/- 0.02), changing from a bicarbonate-free to a 5% CO2-HCO3(-)-buffered solution at constant buffer pH (delta pHi = -0.18 +/- 0.03), or changing from a 5% to a 20% CO2-HCO3- solution (delta pHi = -0.27 +/- 0.07). Regardless of the method used, intracellular acidification increased [Ca2+]i as indexed by indo 1 fluorescence. The increase in [Ca2+]i induced by changing from a 5 to a 20% CO2-HCO3- solution was not significantly altered by removal of buffer Ca2+ either before or after depletion of bradykinin- and thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores. Thus intracellular acidification of vascular endothelial cells releases Ca2+ into the cytosol either from pH-sensitive intracellular buffer sites, mitochondria, or from bradykinin- and thapsigargin-insensitive intracellular stores. This Ca2+ mobilization may be linked to endothelial synthesis and release of vasodilatory substances during acidosis.
Modulation of coronary smooth muscle KCa channels by Gs alpha independent of phosphorylation by protein kinase A
Authors: Scornik F. S. , Codina J. , Birnbaumer L. , Toro L.
Published: December 2017

The occupancy of beta-receptors in the smooth muscle membrane of the coronary arteries produces vasodilation and a concomitant hyperpolarization. Large conductance calcium-activated K (KCa) channels are likely to be involved in such hyperpolarization, since they are densely distributed in coronary myocytes, and they are targets of beta-adrenergic stimulation in other smooth muscles. We sought to explore if coronary smooth muscle KCa channels are modulated by beta-agonists and we studied the mechanisms of their activation. We found that KCa channels reconstituted into lipid bilayers were activated in the presence of GTP by the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol. KCa channels were also stimulated on non-specific activation of an endogenous G protein(s) with guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), on addition of a purified activated stimulatory G protein (Gs alpha), and when the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA) was added. Inhibition of PKA activity prevented KCa channel stimulation by PKA, but not by endogenous G protein or by exogenous Gs alpha. These results indicate that beta-adrenoceptor activation of coronary smooth muscle KCa channels results from a dual control: 1) a membrane delimited, possibly direct action of Gs, independent of PKA-mediated phosphorylation; and 2) by PKA-dependent phosphorylation.
Transient outward current in young and adult diseased human atria
Authors: Mansourati J. , Le Grand B.
Published: December 2017

In human atrial fibers, the action potential undergoes a major developmental change in shape in the months immediately after birth. Transient potassium outward currents, which may affect the shape of the action potential, have been studied using a whole cell voltage-clamp technique with single cells from the atria of young patients aged 3-60 mo. Transient outward current (I(to)) amplitude was measured as the difference between the peak current and the steady-state outward current (I(late)) at the end of the voltage step. The density of I(to) was significantly reduced in adult diseased cells (n = 18) compared with normal cells (n = 21) in a large range of potential and absent in young diseased cells (n = 13). Furthermore, the I(late) recorded in young cells was significantly greater (23.7 +/- 5.74 pA/pF at 60 mV) than in adult normal cells (12.71 +/- 2.25 pA/pF at 60 mV), whereas I(late) was not significantly different between both groups of adult cells. Nevertheless, a 4-aminopyridine-sensitive I(to) has been recorded in young cells. A decrease in the frequency of clamp steps (from 0.1 to 0.01 Hz) did not reactivate a I(to) in young cells. This absence of 4-aminopyridine-sensitive Ito in young cells probably results from either a normal developmental change of this current or from pathological alterations like those described in adult diseased atria.
Endothelin-1 exacerbates diastolic stunning in conscious dogs
Authors: Hayashida W. , Donckier J. , van Mechelen H. , Stoleru L. , Pouleur H.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on "diastolic stunning" in the postischemic myocardium. In 14 conscious dogs receiving either placebo (n = 7) or ET-1 (2.5 ng.kg-1.min-1, n = 7), left ventricular (LV) hemodynamics and regional wall motion (systolic segmental shortening by sonomicrometry and the ischemic-nonischemic regional asynchrony during isovolumic relaxation) were assessed at baseline, during 10 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion (CAO) and at 60 min after reflow (R-60). During CAO, the ischemic segment shortening was severely depressed and both regional asynchrony and LV relaxation time constant were significantly increased in the placebo and ET-1 groups. At R-60, this LV diastolic dysfunction recovered to baseline conditions in the placebo group but was still present in the ET-1 group. Because coronary and myocardial blood flow returned to the baseline level at R-60 in both groups, the deleterious effects of ET-1 on diastolic stunning are probably mediated by its direct action on the myocardium.