bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations in vascular smooth muscle contractility during ovine pregnancy
Authors: Annibale D. J. , Rosenfeld C. R. , Kamm K. E.
Published: December 2017

During pregnancy, sheep develop attenuated systemic and uterine vascular responsiveness to alpha-adrenergic stimulation. To determine whether this reflects altered vascular smooth muscle function, we studied the responsiveness of smooth muscle isolated from systemic and uterine arteries to KCl and phenylephrine. Uterine, renal, and carotid arteries were collected from nonpregnant, pregnant (131 +/- 2 days, +/- SD), and late postpartum (144 +/- 4 days) ewes; endothelium was removed and open rings were hung for measurement of isometric force. There were no differences in concentration-response relationships nor maximal stresses generated to phenylephrine between nonpregnant, pregnant, and late postpartum states for carotid or renal arteries. However, the 50% maximal concentration for phenylephrine of uterine arteries in the nonpregnant state (2.8 +/- 0.9 x 10(-6) M) was greater than the pregnant state (0.76 +/- 0.05 x 10(-6) M). Moreover, uterine arteries from pregnant sheep generated significantly more stress than those from nonpregnant sheep (2.2 +/- 0.23 vs. 0.73 +/- 0.23 x 10(6) dyn/cm2, P less than 0.01). The attenuated systemic and uterine vascular responses associated with pregnancy do not result from diminished adrenergic sensitivity or contractile capability of arterial smooth muscle. In contrast, there is increased stress-generating capacity of uterine arterial smooth muscle during pregnancy, which is reversed during the postpartum period.
Characteristics of L- and T-type Ca2+ currents in canine cardiac Purkinje cells
Authors: Hirano Y. , Fozzard H. A. , January C. T.
Published: December 2017

Two types of Ca2+ currents were recorded in single dialyzed canine cardiac Purkinje cells using a whole cell voltage clamp technique. T-type current was easily separated from L-type current, because its voltage dependence of inactivation and activation was more negative and it decayed rapidly. L-type current was available at more depolarized holding potentials, activated at more positive voltages, and decayed slowly. In 2 mM extracellular Ca2+ concentration [( Ca]o), the average peak T- and L-type current density was 1.70 and 2.87 pA/pF, respectively. T-type current was relatively insensitive to modification by Ca2+, nifedipine, Cd2+, BAY K 8644, or isoproterenol. T-type current was more sensitive to block by Ni2+ and amiloride. Replacement of Ca2+ by Ba2+ or Sr2+ did not increase T-type current. Changes in the Ca2+ or Ba2+ concentration caused parallel shifts in the voltage dependence of several kinetic parameters for L- and T-type current. In 2 mM [Ca]o, the V1/2 (Boltzmann fit) for inactivation of T-type current was -68 mV with a slope of 3.9, and for L-type current the V1/2 was -31 mV with a slope of 5.5. Recovery from inactivation of L- and T-type current was voltage dependent, and for similar conditions L-type current recovered from inactivation more rapidly than T-type current. These findings show that T- and L-type currents are large in cardiac Purkinje cells, and they can easily be separated by their voltage, kinetic, and pharmacological differences. Both may have important physiological roles.
Superoxide anion is an endothelium-derived contracting factor
Authors: Katusic Z. S. , Vanhoutte P. M.
Published: December 2017

The calcium ionophore A23187 causes endothelium-dependent contractions in canine basilar arteries. Removal of the endothelium, or treatment with indomethacin or superoxide dismutase (SOD), prevented the endothelium-dependent excitatory effect of the calcium ionophore. Catalase and deferoxamine were without effect. Superoxide anion generated by xanthine plus xanthine oxidase in the presence of catalase caused contractions of the vascular smooth muscle, which were abolished by SOD or heat inactivation of xanthine oxidase. The A23187-induced production of prostaglandins F2 alpha and E2 and thromboxane B2 was abolished by the removal of endothelium and by treatment with indomethacin but was not affected by the presence of SOD plus catalase. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that superoxide anion, rather than prostaglandins generated by hydroperoxidase activity of cyclooxygenase, is an endothelium-derived contracting factor in canine cerebral arteries.
Is there a second external lidocaine binding site on mammalian cardiac cells?
Authors: Alpert L. A. , Fozzard H. A. , Hanck D. A. , Makielski J. C.
Published: December 2017

Lidocaine and its permanently charged analogue QX-314 block sodium current (INa) in nerve, and by this mechanism, lidocaine produces local anesthesia. When administered clinically, lidocaine prevents cardiac arrhythmias. Nerve and skeletal muscle are much more sensitive to local anesthetics when the drugs are applied inside the cell, indicating that the binding site for local anesthetics is located on the inside of those Na channels. Using a large suction pipette for voltage clamp and internal perfusion of single cardiac Purkinje cells, we demonstrate that a charged lidocaine analogue blocks INa not only when applied from the inside but also from the outside, unlike noncardiac tissue. This functional difference in heart predicts that a second local anesthetic binding site exists outside or near the outside of cardiac Na channels and emphasizes that the cardiac Na channel is different from that in nerve.
Effects of anesthesia on cerebral arteriolar responses to hypercapnia
Authors: Levasseur J. E. , Kontos H. A.
Published: December 2017

We evaluated the effect of general anesthesia induced by 45 mg/kg iv pentobarbital sodium or by 75 mg/kg iv alpha-chloralose plus 500 mg/kg iv urethan on the response of cerebral arterioles to hypercapnia in rabbits equipped with chronically implanted cranial windows for the observation of the cerebral microcirculation. Both types of anesthetic induced approximately comparable anesthesia and depressed the responsiveness to CO2 to an equal extent. There were no changes in resting vessel diameter or in mean arterial blood pressure induced by either anesthetic, but both anesthetics increased end-expiratory PCO2 during room air breathing. The findings show that anesthetics depress the responsiveness of cerebral arterioles to hypercapnia. A decrease in cerebral metabolism and/or direct effects of the anesthetics on cerebral vessels may be involved.
Effect of membrane potential on cytosolic calcium of bovine aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Schilling W. P.
Published: December 2017

The effect of bradykinin on membrane potential of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) was estimated by measuring the uptake of the lipophilic cation, tetra[3H]phenylphosphonium ([3H]TPP+). Uptake of [3H]TPP+ was found to be 1) a function of extracellular K+ concentration, 2) sensitive to valinomycin, and 3) decreased by the K+ channel inhibitor, Ba2+, suggesting that the uptake of [3H]TPP+ responds to changes in membrane potential of the BAEC. Bradykinin (50 nM) produced an increase in [3H]TPP+ uptake in low K+ buffer consistent with a bradykinin-induced membrane hyperpolarization. The effect of membrane depolarization with high K+ buffer on the bradykinin-stimulated changes in cytosolic Ca2+ was determined using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, fura-2. The results of these experiments demonstrated that both basal cytosolic Ca2+ and bradykinin-stimulated release of Ca2+ from internal stores were not affected by membrane depolarization. However, bradykinin-stimulated influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular space decreased with membrane depolarization in a manner consistent with the movement of Ca2+ through a channel.
Dithiothreitol restores contractile function to oxidant-injured cardiac muscle
Authors: Eley D. W. , Korecky B. , Fliss H.
Published: December 2017

Reperfusion injury in ischemic myocardium is caused partially by polymorphonuclear leukocyte oxygen free radicals, the most toxic of which may be hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This study shows that dithiothreitol (DTT), a disulfide-reducing agent, can restore contractile function to cardiac muscles that had been exposed to physiological levels of HOCl. Isometrically contracting isolated rat papillary muscles which were exposed to HOCl (300 microM) showed a rapid and essentially complete loss of developed force, an increase in resting force, and a sharp decline in myocyte protein sulfhydryls (PSH). The addition of DTT (1 mM) after 40 min resulted in a significant (40%) restoration of contractile function. Earlier addition of DTT effected a more complete functional recovery. The DTT-induced recovery was accompanied by a matching increase in cellular PSH levels, suggesting that HOCl injury may be caused primarily by the oxidation of cysteine residues. These data suggest that DTT may prove to be useful in reversing oxidant injury in tissues exposed to oxygen free radicals.
Microvascular exchange and interstitial volume regulation in the rat: implications of the model
Authors: Reed R. K. , Bowen B. D. , Bert J. L.
Published: December 2017

The present work uses and extends a dynamic mathematical model [J. L. Bert, B. D. Bowen, and R. K. Reed. Am. J. Physiol. 254 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 23): H384-H399, 1988] to investigate microvascular exchange and interstitial fluid volume regulation in the rat. Alternative concepts of transcapillary exchange as well as other parametric changes were incorporated into the model. In all cases, predictions resulting from these changes did not describe the available experimental information as well as the original model. A sensitivity analysis of the model showed the microvascular exchange system to be well regulated near its normal steady-state conditions through passive readjustment of the forces participating in the volume regulation. The transient rates of fluid and protein exchange were studied in order to determine the mechanisms inherent in the model that lead to fluid volume regulation during episodes of increased venous pressure and hypoproteinemia. In addition to interstitial compliance, lymph flow characteristics, and washdown of interstitial proteins, it was found that the magnitude and direction of reabsorption played an important role in the regulation process. Edema was always associated with a permanent reversal of the reabsorptive flow.
Activity of in vivo canine ventricular neurons
Authors: Armour J. A. , Hopkins D. A.
Published: December 2017

The spontaneous activity of 113 neurons located in the ganglionated plexus in the epicardial fat overlying the cranial portion of the ventral intraventricular groove and the origin of the circumflex coronary artery was recorded in ten anesthetized dogs. Ganglia that contained varying numbers of neurons, some with two or more nucleoli, were subsequently identified anatomically in the vicinity of the recording sites. Spontaneous activity was correlated with the cardiac cycle in 81% and with the respiratory cycle in 17% of the identified neurons. The spontaneous cardiovascular-related activity occurred in relation to specific phases of the cardiac cycle when arterial pressure was between approximately 80 and 175 mmHg. When systolic pressures fell below approximately 80 mmHg or increased above approximately 175 mmHg, neurons displaying cardiovascular-related activity were inactive. The activity of 62% of all identified neurons was altered when discrete regions of the heart or pulmonary tissue were mechanically distorted by gentle touch. In many instances mechanical distortions of tissues were still able to alter neuronal activity following acute decentralization. Single stimuli or trains of stimuli delivered to the vagosympathetic complexes, stellate ganglia, or cardiopulmonary nerves generated bursts of activity in ganglionic neurons. Spontaneous activity occurred whether the ganglia were connected to the central nervous system or acutely decentralized. It is concluded that some neurons located on the canine ventricle display spontaneous activity that is related to cardiovascular or respiratory dynamics. The results also demonstrate that ventricular neurons can be influenced by sympathetic or parasympathetic efferent axons as well as cardiac mechanoreceptors.
Coronary hyperperfusion and ventricular function in intact and isovolumic pig hearts
Authors: Miller W. P. , Nellis S. H. , Liedtke A. J. , Whitesell L. , Effron B. A.
Published: December 2017

This study characterized the effect of coronary hyperperfusion on left ventricular (LV) geometry and myocardial vascular and tissue volumes in intact hearts, and tested the hypothesis that ventricular function is significantly enhanced only under isovolumic conditions. Randomized 10-min trials of coronary perfusion pressures at approximately 100–110, approximately 150–160, and approximately 180–190 mmHg were performed in extracorporeally perfused pig hearts. First, ultrasonic crystals were used to measure LV wall thickness and major and minor epicardial diameters. LV pressures, maximum dP/dt, and myocardial O2 consumption were not significantly different despite increases in the end-diastolic and end-systolic wall thickness. There were either no changes or small decreases in epicardial major and minor axis dimensions. Second, intramyocardial small vessel vascular and extracellular volumes were measured using radiolabeled dextran and inulin. There was no significant difference in small vessel plasma volume or extracellular space. Finally, pigs were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass and LV volume was fixed with a ventricular balloon. In this isovolumic preparation, coronary hyperperfusion significantly increased peak LV pressure. We conclude that coronary hyperperfusion in hearts with intact peripheral circulations results in small changes in LV geometry but no physiologically significant changes in LV performance. Only under the rigid conditions of an isovolumic preparation is LV function enhanced, and thus the “garden-hose” effect is a model-dependent phenomenon.
Area postrema and differential reflex effects of vasopressin and phenylephrine in rats
Authors: Peuler J. D. , Edwards G. L. , Schmid P. G. , Johnson A. K.
Published: December 2017

In normal rats, baroreflex inhibitions of heart rate (HR) and splanchnic but not lumbar sympathetic neural activity (SNA) are greater when mean arterial pressure (MAP) is increased by intravenous infusion of arginine vasopressin (AVP) compared with phenylephrine (PE) or methoxamine. In normal rabbits, baroreflex inhibitions of HR and lumbar and renal SNA are all greater when MAP is increased by AVP vs. PE. The differential reflex bradycardic and renal sympathoinhibitory effects of AVP vs. PE in rabbits require an intact area postrema. To determine whether differential reflex effects of AVP vs. PE in rats is selective for HR or inclusive of renal SNA and to examine the role of the rat area postrema in such action, we monitored HR and renal SNA in normal (sham operated, n = 8) and area postrema-lesioned (APX, n = 8) rats under chloralose anesthesia during slow increases in MAP (less than 0.3 mmHg/s; 3 min) induced intravenously by AVP (0-16 mU.kg-1.min-1) and by PE (0-8 micrograms.kg-1.min-1). Reflex inhibition of HR (-delta betas.min-1.delta mmHg-1) was greater when MAP was increased by AVP vs. PE in normal rats (-2.7 +/- 0.5 vs. -1.7 +/- 0.1, P less than 0.05), and this difference was absent in APX rats (-2.5 +/- 0.5 vs. +/- -2.2 +/- 0.4). Similarly, maximum bradycardia (-delta beats/min) by AVP vs. PE was greater in normal rats (-64 +/- 8 vs. -48 +/- 7, P less than 0.05) but not in APX rats (-53 +/- 5 vs. -52 +/- 6).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Preferential proximal coronary dilation by activators of guanylate cyclase in awake dogs
Authors: Chu A. , Murray J. J. , Lin C. C. , Russell M. , Hagen P. O. , Cobb F. R.
Published: December 2017

The vasodilation effects of activators of guanylate cyclase, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), nitroglycerin (NTG), and acetylcholine (ACh), on the epicardial conductance arteries and the distal resistance coronary vessels were examined in chronically instrumented awake dogs and related serially to plasma guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels. Left atrial bolus injections of ANP (3 micrograms/kg; n = 7), NTG (13 micrograms/kg; n = 7), or ACh (0.13 micrograms/kg; n = 3) induced sustained increases in epicardial coronary dimension (ultrasonic crystals), 3.3, 5.7, and 6.7%, respectively, lasting greater than 40 min for ANP and NTG and greater than 3 min for ACh, and relatively brief increases in blood flow (resistance artery vasomotion) for each agent. Plasma samples withdrawn serially after injections of each agent demonstrated that only ANP increased cGMP level; the time course of ANP-induced epicardial vasodilation followed more closely the increase in cGMP than that of plasma ANP. These data demonstrated that these three activators of guanylate cyclase induced preferential sustained epicardial vasodilation and only brief distal coronary vasodilation with minor or no change in systemic hemodynamics. The prolonged increase in plasma cGMP after ANP injection suggested continuous cGMP production during ANP-induced proximal vasodilation. These data demonstrate a striking heterogeneity of vasomotor responses in the coronary arterial vasculature and suggest that cGMP-mediated vasodilation mechanisms are more predominant in proximal conductance arteries compared with distal resistance vessels.
Expression of G proteins in rat cardiac myocytes: effect of KCl depolarization
Authors: Foster K. A. , McDermott P. J. , Robishaw J. D.
Published: December 2017

As a first step in understanding the functioning of hormonal signaling pathways in the heart, the G protein composition of neonatal and adult rat hearts was determined by immunoblotting analysis. Neonatal rat cardiac myocytes and nonmuscle heart cells contained Gs alpha 52, Gi alpha 1,3, and Gi alpha 2 with little or no Gs alpha 45 or Go alpha 39. Interestingly, Go alpha 39 accumulated fourfold in cardiac myocytes between days 1 and 6 of culture. Atrial membranes from adult rat hearts had approximately equal amounts of the 45- and 52-kDa forms of Gs alpha, whereas adult ventricles had predominantly Gs alpha 45. In addition, adult atria contained relatively more Gi alpha 1,3, Gi alpha 2, and Go alpha 39 than adult ventricle. Moreover, the increase in Go alpha 39 observed in cardiac myocytes cultured for 6 days could be prevented by culturing cells in medium containing 50 mM KCl. The observed differences in G protein expression between cell types and between contracting and KCl-depolarized cardiac myocytes may provide a system to investigate the function of various G proteins and to study regulation of their expression.
Synaptic mechanisms regulating cardiovascular afferent inputs to solitary tract nucleus
Authors: Mifflin S. W. , Felder R. B.
Published: December 2017

This brief review summarizes recent electrophysiological studies concerning the initial processing of cardiovascular afferent inputs within the central nervous system. This work has shown that the site of termination of baroreceptor afferent fibers, the nucleus of the tractus solitarius (nTS), is much more than a simple relay station. Interactions between afferent inputs from different reflexogenic areas and interactions that depend on the timing of the afferent inputs can influence the output of nTS neurons in either an inhibitory or facilitatory manner and thereby determine the signal that these neurons relay to subsequent central nuclei involved in cardiovascular regulation. In addition, descending inputs from more rostral structures (e.g., the hypothalamic defense area and the parabrachial nucleus) can further alter the responsiveness of nTS neurons to baroreceptor inputs. The evidence suggests that the neural substrates exist for a modulation of baroreflex gain at an early stage in the reflex pathway.
Acetylcholine-sensitive potassium channels in human atrial myocytes
Authors: Sato R. , Hisatome I. , Wasserstrom J. A. , Arentzen C. E. , Singer D. H.
Published: December 2017

Single channel recording techniques were used to study acetylcholine (ACh)-sensitive K+ channel activity in human atrial myocytes isolated from specimens obtained during corrective cardiac surgery. Under conditions of cell-attached patch, the presence of ACh in the patch pipette activated K+ channels. Single channel activity occurred in periodic bursts. The channels exhibited a slope conductance of 46 +/- 2 pS inwardly (means +/- SD, n = 4). During a burst, both open and closed time histograms were fitted by a single exponential curve, suggesting the existence of one open and one closed state during a burst. Open probability increased directly with ACh concentration without affecting open time. The channel could be activated by GTP and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) (in the presence and absence of ACh in the pipette, respectively). Slope conductance, the response to GTP and GTP gamma S, and the independence of activation from Ca2+ were similar to those for other species. In contrast, sensitivity to ACh appeared diminished compared with frog atrial myocytes.
Hemodynamic and neurohumoral responses to acute hypovolemia in conscious mammals
Authors: Schadt J. C. , Ludbrook J.
Published: December 2017

In conscious mammals including humans, the neurohumoral and hemodynamic responses to progressive acute hypovolemia have two distinct phases. There is an initial arterial baroreceptor-mediated phase in which the fall in cardiac output is nearly matched by a sympathetically mediated increase in peripheral resistance so that arterial pressure is maintained near normal levels. In most species, adrenal catecholamines and vasopressin contribute little to this phase. Increased renin release appears to augment the sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction. When blood volume has fallen by a critical amount (approximately 30%), a second phase develops abruptly. This phase is characterized by withdrawal of sympathetic vasoconstrictor drive, relative or absolute bradycardia, an increase in release of adrenal catecholamines and vasopressin, and a profound fall in arterial pressure. In rabbits and rats the signal that initiates this phase appears to travel in cardiopulmonary afferents. In dogs and humans its origin is unknown. Central opioidergic and serotonergic mechanisms may be involved.
Feeding and fasting determine postischemic glucose utilization in isolated working rat hearts
Authors: Schneider C. A. , Nguyen V. T. , Taegtmeyer H.
Published: December 2017

To assess the effects of endogenous substrate on glucose utilization after 15 min of ischemia, we perfused isolated working rat hearts from fed and fasted (16 h) animals with glucose and the positron-emitting glucose analogue 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-FDG). Hearts were perfused in a recirculating system with bicarbonate buffer containing glucose (10 mM) and 2-FDG (0.5 microCi/ml). Mechanical performance and 2-FDG uptake were measured on-line, and glucose and lactate metabolic rates were calculated. Fasting raised the glycogen content by 25% and the triglyceride content by 38%. Hearts in both groups recovered preischemic function. Rates of 2-FDG uptake during the preischemic period were the same in both groups. In contrast, during the postischemic period rates of 2-FDG uptake were significantly depressed in hearts of fed animals but were unchanged in hearts of fasted animals. Thus hearts of fasted animals took up more 2-FDG during the postischemic period than hearts of fed animals (P less than 0.005). The lumped constant (range, 0.38-0.40) was the same in both groups before and after ischemia. Glucose utilization was suppressed during the postischemic period in hearts of fed animals, whereas at the same time lactate utilization was significantly increased. We conclude that 1) 2-FDG accurately traces glucose utilization independent of the nutritional state or ischemic insult; 2) reversibly ischemic, viable myocardium exhibits vastly different rates of glucose utilization depending on the nutritional state of the animal before ischemia; 3) lactate derived from glycolysis suppresses utilization of exogenously supplied glucose in the early reperfusion period without affecting postischemic performance.
Contractile strength and mechanical efficiency of left ventricle are enhanced by physiological afterload
Authors: Burkhoff D. , de Tombe P. P. , Hunter W. C. , Kass D. A.
Published: December 2017

Recent studies have shown that at the same endsystolic volume, ejecting beats can achieve a higher end-systolic pressure than isovolumic beats. The purpose of this study was to assess the metabolic cost, in terms of oxygen consumption (MVO2), and efficiency, in terms of the relation between MVO2 and pressure-volume area (PVA), of this increase in strength during ejection. The slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume relation (ESPVR) (Ees) was greater during ejecting than isovolumic contractions when ejection fraction (EF) was greater than approximately 30%, indicating an increase in contractile strength. The difference in Ees between the two modes of contraction was as much as 30% at EFs of 60%. In contrast, the slope of the MVO2-PVA relation was less during ejecting than isovolumic contractions, indicating a decrease in MVO2 at any given PVA. The difference in slope was as much as 20% at EFs of 60%. Thus afterload conditions, allowing substantial fiber shortening, shift the ESPVR toward greater contractile strength and increase the metabolic efficiency when viewed in terms of the relation between MVO2 and total mechanical energy generation (PVA) by the ventricle. This may reflect an energetically favorable effect of shortening on muscle force-generating capability.
Shear stress increases endothelial platelet-derived growth factor mRNA levels
Authors: Hsieh H. J. , Li N. Q. , Frangos J. A.
Published: December 2017

We have investigated the effect of shear stress on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) A and B chain mRNA levels in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVEC). The levels of both PDGF A and B mRNA in hUVEC were increased by a physiological shear stress (16 dyn/cm2), reaching a maximum approximately 1.5-2 h after the onset of shear stress and returning almost to control values at 4 h. The peak levels showed a more than 10-fold enhancement for PDGF A mRNA and a 2- to 3-fold increase for PDGF B mRNA (P less than 0.05). PDGF A mRNA also showed a shear-dependent increase from 0 to 6 dyn/cm2 (P less than 0.05) and then plateaued from 6 to 51 dyn/cm2. PDGF B mRNA levels were elevated as shear stress increased from 0 to 6 dyn/cm2 then declined gradually to a minimum at 31 dyn/cm2 (P less than 0.05) and increased again when shear stress rose to 51 dyn/cm2 (P less than 0.05). PDGF, a potent smooth muscle cell mitogen and vasoconstrictor, released from the endothelium may regulate the blood flow in vivo. The shear stress-dependent elevation of PDGF A and B mRNA in endothelial cells may be involved in the adaptation of blood vessels to flow mediated by the endothelium.
Progressive ventricular remodeling in rat with myocardial infarction
Authors: Pfeffer J. M. , Pfeffer M. A. , Fletcher P. J. , Braunwald E.
Published: December 2017

Ventricular dilatation may have important prognostic implications for the survival of patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. To determine the manner and extent to which the left ventricle of the rat remodels and dilates after myocardial infarction, we obtained the passive pressure-volume relationships, chamber stiffness constants, and mass during both the early and late phases. In moderate and large infarcts as inflammation and edema developed, LV weight increased then progressively decreased as a thin scar formed, returning to normal values as a result of compensatory hypertrophy of the residual myocardium. LV dilatation occurred in all rats with infarcts but to different extents depending on infarct size and duration. In the early postinfarction phase, pressure-volume relationship was relatively unchanged in all infarct-size groups, except for significant rightward shift in low pressure range for rats with moderate and large infarcts and significant leftward shift in high pressure range for rats with small infarcts. During resolution of the inflammatory response, LV dilatation occurred in all infarct groups in relation to infarct size. As scar formation became complete, LV enlargement did not progress in rats with small infarcts but did so in rats with moderate and large infarcts. LV chamber stiffness remained within the range of normal values during the early phase in all rats with infarcts but decreased significantly during the late phase in rats with moderate and large infarcts in association with the extent of ventricular enlargement. Alterations in the volume-to-mass ratio (V/Vwt) were most marked in the late postinfarction phase, wherein both volume (increased) and mass (decreased, then increased) changed dramatically and V/Vwt progressively increased in rats with large infarcts.
Correlation between antioxidant changes during hypoxia and recovery on reoxygenation
Authors: Dhaliwal H. , Kirshenbaum L. A. , Randhawa A. K. , Singal P. K.
Published: December 2017

Changes in myocardial antioxidants due to different durations of hypoxia at normal or lower temperatures were correlated with the recovery of structure and function on reoxygenation. Hearts perfused with substrate-free hypoxic buffer at 37 degrees C for 5 or 10 min and at 22 degrees C for 10 min showed a significant depression in the contractile function and rise in resting tension. Reoxygenation of these hearts at 37 degrees C for 20 min resulted in a recovery of these functions. On reoxygenation, hearts made hypoxic for 10 min at 37 degrees C showed poor recovery of the contractile function, increase in malondialdehyde content and a dramatic increase in the creatine phosphokinase activity in the coronary effluent. Addition of catalase to the perfusion medium markedly improved function recovery of these hearts. Hypoxia at 37 degrees C for 5 min or at 22 degrees C for 10 min with or without reoxygenation had no effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) or glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activities. These antioxidants were depressed in hearts made hypoxic for 10 min at 37 degrees C with no further change on reoxygenation. Neither SOD nor GSHPx was detected in the coronary effluent during hypoxia or reoxygenation. Hypoxia at 37 or 22 degrees C for 10 min caused significant ultrastructural changes, and on reoxygenation 37 degrees C hypoxic hearts showed exacerbation, whereas the 22 degrees C hypoxic hearts showed recovery. These data support the hypothesis that reduced antioxidant reserve during hypoxia may contribute to the oxidative injury on reoxygenation, suggesting that maintenance of endogenous antioxidant levels during hypoxia may be important for recovery.
Transmural distribution of three-dimensional strain in the isolated arrested canine left ventricle
Authors: Omens J. H. , May K. D. , McCulloch A. D.
Published: December 2017

Three-dimensional myocardial strains in seven isolated, potassium-arrested dog hearts were measured by biplane radiography of 3 transmural columns of 4-6 radiopaque beads implanted in the midanterior left ventricular free wall. Transmural distributions of strain during inflation of a left ventricular balloon to 20-30 mmHg were computed with respect to the zero pressure state. Magnitudes of the 3 principal strains increased in proportion to ventricular volume (0.0088, 0.0037, and -0.0059 ml-1). At a left ventricular pressure of 8 +/- 4 mmHg, mean circumferential (E11) and longitudinal strains (E22) were similar, increasing from epicardium (0.058 +/- 0.055 and 0.036 +/- 0.024) to subendocardium (0.139 +/- 0.102 and 0.120 +/- 0.084) as did the transmural (wall thinning) strain E33 (-0.053 +/- 0.071 to -0.128 +/- 0.083). Negative in-plane shear E12 was small (-0.008 to -0.052), consistent with a left-handed torsion of the left ventricular wall. Mean transverse shear strains E13 and E23 were small (-0.029 to 0.007) but showed considerable variability between hearts. Fiber strain had no significant transmural variation (P = 0.57). The principal axis of greatest strain was close to the fiber orientation on the epicardium (-15 degrees) but closer to the cross-fiber direction near the endocardium (-40 degrees). Therefore, the end-diastolic fiber lengths are maximized on the epicardium and minimized on the endocardium.
Calcium measurement in isolated arterioles during myogenic and agonist stimulation
Authors: Meininger G. A. , Zawieja D. C. , Falcone J. C. , Hill M. A. , Davey J. P.
Published: December 2017

Vascular smooth muscle calcium was measured during agonist treatment or pressure-induced stimulation of the myogenic response in isolated first-order skeletal muscle arterioles. Arterioles (40-180 microns) with spontaneous tone were isolated from rat cremaster muscle and cannulated. Arterioles were loaded with the calcium-sensitive dye fura-2 and excited at 340 and 380 nm. Images of vessel fluorescence were formed with a fluorescence microscope and digitized using an image processor coupled to a low light level camera. The fluorescent images allowed individual vascular smooth muscle cells to be seen within the arteriolar wall. Fluorescent intensity of the vessel wall, expressed as the ratio of fluorescence at 340 nm/380 nm, was used to estimate changes in vessel wall calcium. Topical application of norepinephrine (10 microM) to the arterioles caused a rapid and sustained constriction of the arterioles (64% of basal diam). The calcium response was biphasic consisting of a transient spike to 271% of basal followed by a decrease to a new steady state at 143% of basal. In comparison, steady-state indolactam (1 microM) produced a similar degree of constriction without an increase in calcium. Adenosine significantly dilated (35%) the arterioles and produced a decrease (24%) in vessel wall calcium. To investigate the myogenic response, intravascular pressure was step increased from 90 to 130 cmH2O. Increasing intravascular pressure caused an initial increase in vessel diameter of approximately 5% followed by active constriction that returned diameter to basal diameter. In association with this diameter change, estimated vessel wall calcium increased rapidly 8 +/- 2% and then continued to increase more slowly and remained elevated at 10-15% above basal levels. This study demonstrates the successful application of calcium-imaging technology in isolated arterioles for study of the role of calcium in arteriolar function. Results indicate that the calcium-contraction relationship differs for different agonists and are further consistent with a role for pressure-induced increases in vascular smooth muscle calcium during the myogenic response.
Positive inotropism in hypothermia partially depends on an increase in maximal Ca(2+)-activated force
Authors: Kusuoka H. , Ikoma Y. , Futaki S. , Suga H. , Kitabatake A. , Kamada T. , Inoue M.
Published: December 2017

We investigated the contribution of maximal Ca(2+)-activated force to the positive inotropism induced by mild hypothermia. Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that neither energy-related phosphorus compounds in myocardium nor intracellular pH was responsible for the change in contractility. Maximal Ca(2+)-activated pressure (MCAP), the intact-heart correlate of maximal Ca(2+)-activated force, was determined in isolated perfused rabbit hearts by measuring isovolumic left ventricular pressure during tetani at extracellular Ca2+ concentrations greater than or equal to 10 mM. Tetani were elicited by rapid pacing after exposure to ryanodine. MCAP increased by 2.17 +/- 0.28% (mean +/- SE, P less than 0.001, n = 19) for each degree of myocardial cooling between 30 and 38 degrees C. Our results indicate that a primary change in myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness underlies the positive inotropism in hypothermia. The increase in maximal Ca(2+)-activated force may explain the observation of positive inotropism without an upward shift in the relation between oxygen consumption and pressure-volume area, as previously reported for cooled whole hearts.
Hypoxic contraction of canine coronary arteries: role of endothelium and cGMP
Authors: Graser T. , Vanhoutte P. M.
Published: December 2017

The effect of severe hypoxia in quiescent or contracted (prostaglandin F2 alpha) canine coronary artery rings with and without endothelium was studied. Hypoxia induced an initial transient relaxation followed by a sustained contraction. The hypoxic contraction in quiescent rings was comparable in rings with and without endothelium. The facilitation of the contraction to prostaglandin F2 alpha was more pronounced in rings with endothelium. Increasing the level of contractions by augmenting the contraction of prostaglandin F2 alpha potentiated the hypoxic contraction in rings with endothelium only. Methylene blue, LY 83583, and nitro-L-arginine reversed the hypoxic facilitation in contracted rings into relaxation, whereas M&B 22948 augmented it. In quiescent coronary preparations, methylene blue reversed the hypoxic contraction into relaxation in preparations with and without endothelium, whereas nitro-L-arginine had the same effect in vessels with endothelium only. SIN-1, nitroglycerin, and dibutyryl guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) unmasked hypoxic facilitation in rings without endothelium. This was not observed with isoproterenol. The measurement of the level of cGMP revealed an increased level in rings with endothelium compared with those without endothelium under control oxygenation. This difference disappeared during hypoxia due to a decrease of cGMP content in vessels with endothelium. The results suggest that a moderate increase of the cGMP level in vascular smooth muscle is a prerequisite for the occurrence of hypoxia-induced facilitation in contracted canine coronary arteries.
Concentration profile of blood platelets differs in arterioles and venules
Authors: Woldhuis B. , Tangelder G. J. , Slaaf D. W. , Reneman R. S.
Published: December 2017

Platelet distribution was investigated in 21 venules (V) and 10 arterioles (A) of the rabbit mesentery (vessel diam 15-33 microns). Circulating platelets were labeled in vivo with the dye acridine red and observed with fluorescence video microscopy. Only platelets flowing in a thin (5-7 microns) optical section located about the median plane of the vessel were used. The relative position of each platelet, i.e., the distance of its centroid to the left vessel wall divided by the local vessel diameter, was determined. In addition, in 10 venules leukocyte margination was inhibited by intravenous injection of dextran sulfate (500,000 mol wt; 30 mg/kg body wt). The number of platelets per unit volume (i.e., platelet density) relative to the mean density was significantly higher in the vessel center of V (1.04) than of A (0.55; P less than 0.005). In contrast, near the wall this density was significantly higher in A compared with V. Mean values were as follows: at radial position (R) = 0.9-1.0, 0.30 in A and 0.11 in V (P greater than 0.05); at R = 0.8-0.9, 1.63 in A and 0.84 in V (P less than 0.002); at R = 0.7-0.8, 1.60 in A and 1.36 in V (P greater than 0.05); at R = 0.6-0.7, 1.16 in A and 1.60 in V (P less than 0.02); and at R = 0.5-0.6, 0.92 in A and 1.36 in V (P less than 0.02). These differences in platelet distribution between arterioles and venules are not caused by the presence of leukocyte margination in venules.
Endothelial modulation of porcine coronary microcirculation perfused via immature collaterals
Authors: Sellke F. W. , Kagaya Y. , Johnson R. G. , Shafique T. , Schoen F. J. , Grossman W. , Weintraub R. M.
Published: December 2017

Porcine hearts have relatively few native collateral vessels and lack the propensity to develop normal perfusion to the collateral-dependent myocardium. To examine microvascular responses in the collateral-dependent region, collateral vessels were stimulated in pigs by the Ameroid constrictor technique. After 4–7 wk, isolated microarterial vessels (90–170 microns ID) were studied in a pressurized (40 mmHg), no-flow state. Microvessels from noninstrumented pigs were used as controls for vascular studies. Although myocardium in the collateral-dependent region showed minimal evidence of infarction, percent systolic shortening was reduced at rest and after pacing compared with myocardium in the normally perfused region. Relaxations to the receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent agents ADP and bradykinin were impaired in collateral-dependent coronary microvessels. Relaxations to the calcium ionophore A23187, which acts through a non-receptor-mediated mechanism, were similar in control and Ameroid microvessels. Relaxations to the endothelium-independent agent sodium nitroprusside were markedly enhanced in microvessels from the collateral-dependent region compared with microvessels from control hearts. In conclusion, receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation is impaired and endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside is enhanced in microvessels from myocardium perfused by immature collateral vessels.
Anoxia/reoxygenation-induced neutrophil adherence to cultured endothelial cells
Authors: Yoshida N. , Granger D. N. , Anderson D. C. , Rothlein R. , Lane C. , Kvietys P. R.
Published: December 2017

Previous studies have shown enhanced neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells exposed to anoxia and then reoxygenated (A/R). To define the molecular basis for these observations, we evaluated the relative roles of CD11/CD18 determinants (CD11a and CD11b) of neurtrophils and the endothelial adhesion proteins intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (ELAM-1). Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers were exposed to anoxia for 30 min, reoxygenated, and then reacted with 51Cr-labeled neutrophils in adhesion assays. Neutrophil adhesion to HUVEC exposed to A/R was significantly increased (2.7-fold) as compared with that observed with normoxic (control) HUVEC. This A/R-induced hyperadherence was significantly diminished by monoclonal antibodies (MAb) directed at CD11a, CD11b, CD18 or ICAM-1, but not by MAb directed at ELAM-1. The inhibitory effects of anti-CD11a and anti-CD11b were additive and equivalent to that of anti-CD18 MAb. A/R did not elicit increased levels of ICAM-1 or ELAM-1 mRNA or surface protein. However, immunofluorescence flow cytometry indicated that incubation of neutrophils in supernatants of A/R-conditioned HUVEC elicited an increase of surface CD11b and CD18, but not CD11a. Supernatants from A/R-conditioned HUVEC promoted neutrophil adherence to naive HUVEC, and this hyperadhesivity was diminished by a platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist and catalase but not by a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, a leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, or superoxide dismutase. These studies indicate that A/R promotes neutrophil adherence via CD11a/CD18- and CD11b/CD18-dependent interactions with ICAM-1 that appear to be mediated by hydrogen peroxide and PAF.
Comparison of norepinephrine and isoproterenol clearance in congestive heart failure
Authors: Leuenberger U. , Kenney G. , Davis D. , Clemson B. , Zelis R.
Published: December 2017

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is accompanied by increased sympathetic nervous activity. Previous studies have demonstrated that plasma norepinephrine (NE), a marker of sympathetic nervous activity, is elevated in CHF due to increased NE spillover into the circulation and decreased NE clearance. In this study we compared the clearance of NE and isoproterenol (ISO) in eight CHF subjects (plasma NE 601 +/- 133 pg/ml), and in nine controls (plasma NE 285 +/- 53 pg/ml) by using steady-state infusions of tritiated NE ([3H]NE) and tritiated ISO ([3H]ISO). Because ISO is not a substrate of neuronal reuptake but is removed from the circulation in a way that is similar to NE after neuronal reuptake blockade with desipramine, ISO clearance may permit a gross estimation of non-neuronal uptake of circulating NE. The NE clearance was lower in CHF than in the control group (CHF 1.25 +/- 0.13, controls 2.04 +/- 0.22 l.min-1.m-2; P = 0.009). The ISO clearance was reduced similarly in CHF (CHF 0.90 +/- 0.09, controls 1.59 +/- 0.12 l.min-1.m-2; P less than 0.001). Because the ratio of ISO to NE clearance was similar in both groups, our findings suggest that a low cardiac output in CHF decreases the availability of circulating catecholamines to tissue elimination sites.
Effect of abrupt changes in ventricular loading on repolarization induced by transient aortic occlusion in humans
Authors: Taggart P. , Sutton P. , Lab M. , Runnalls M. , O'Brien W. , Treasure T.
Published: December 2017

We have investigated the influence of ventricular loading on repolarization from beat to beat in the human heart. Sixteen patients undergoing routine coronary artery surgery were studied. Left ventricular epicardial monophasic action potentials and local electrograms were recorded during acute changes in ventricular loading induced by transient aortic occlusion. Monophasic action potential duration shortened (P less than 0.0001) and returned to control values within one or two beats after release (P less than 0.0001). Values at 90% repolarization were 325 +/- 31 ms preocclusion, 311 +/- 29 ms during occlusion, 326 +/- 32 ms postocclusion. The Q-T interval of the local epicardial electrogram shortened during occlusion (P less than 0.001) and returned to control values after release (P greater than 0.0001): 396 +/- 44 ms preocclusion, 379 +/- 41 ms during occlusion, and, 399 +/- 42 ms postocclusion. A significant correlation was obtained between changes in peak systolic pressure and changes in monophasic action potential duration (R = 0.96; P less than 0.0001 at 90% repolarization). A significant correlation was also observed between changes in peak systolic pressure and the Q-T interval of the local electrogram (R = 0.91; P less than 0.0001). This study shows that abrupt changes in ventricular loading from one beat to the next induce significant changes in the timing of ventricular repolarization. These results may well be relevant to the initiation of arrhythmia by a single ventricular ectopic beat, particularly under pathological conditions.
Suppression of motion artifacts in fluorescence spectroscopy of perfused hearts
Authors: Brandes R. , Figueredo V. M. , Camacho S. A. , Massie B. M. , Weiner M. W.
Published: December 2017

Fluorescence spectroscopy of beating hearts has been used previously to measure intracellular regulators of function. Unfortunately, heart motion could introduce a spurious motion artifact (MA), influencing the measured fluorescence intensity (“signal”). To suppress MA, a ratio (or difference) has been calculated previously between the signal and an intensity reference detected at a different wavelength (“reference”). However, no studies have attempted to evaluate or optimize the efficiency of MA suppression. MA suppression was evaluated using reflected excitation light or fluorescence as reference. In addition, the MA contribution to the intensity ratio from a fluorescent dye, indo-1, was quantified. A reflected light reference resulted in poor suppression of MA. The use of a fluorescence reference resulted in suppression that was inversely related to the detection wavelength difference (delta) between the reference and signal. Therefore optimal MA suppression was obtained using a fluorescence reference at a wavelength close to the signal. For delta = 60 nm, MA was suppressed from approximately 10 to less than 2%. Finally, suppressed MA (delta = 60 nm) accounted for less than 10% of the indo-1 ratio fluctuations.