bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of angiotensin II on blood flow to choroid plexus
Authors: Maktabi M. A. , Heistad D. D. , Faraci F. M.
Published: December 2017

The choroid plexus contains receptors for angiotensin II and a very high concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that angiotensin II decreases blood flow to the choroid plexus. In rabbits anesthetized with chloralose, blood flow (microspheres) to the choroid plexus was 438 +/- 46 (mean +/- SE) ml.min-1.100 g-1 under control conditions. Angiotensin II (10, 30, and 100 ng.kg-1.min-1 iv) decreased blood flow to the choroid plexus by 12 +/- 8, 39 +/- 7, and 57 +/- 5%, respectively, with aortic pressure maintained at control levels. Cerebral blood flow was not affected by angiotensin II. Blood flow to the kidney decreased by 15 +/- 7, 30 +/- 3, and 49 +/- 5%, respectively, during infusion of the three doses of angiotensin II. The angiotensin II antagonist saralasin (1 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 iv) did not affect blood flow to the cerebrum or the choroid plexus under control conditions. Saralasin blocked the vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin II on the choroid plexus and the kidney. Thus circulating angiotensin II has important and parallel effects on blood flow to the choroid plexus and kidney that are mediated by angiotensin II receptors. We speculate that circulating and perhaps locally produced angiotensin II may play an important role in regulation of blood flow to the choroid plexus.
Effects of atherosclerosis on the coronary microcirculation
Authors: Chilian W. M. , Dellsperger K. C. , Layne S. M. , Eastham C. L. , Armstrong M. A. , Marcus M. L. , Heistad D. D.
Published: December 2017

We tested the hypothesis that atherosclerosis potentiates coronary vasoconstriction to serotonin and ergonovine. Coronary microvascular pressures and diameters were measured in the beating left ventricle in normal and atherosclerotic cynomolgus monkeys. Pressures were measured in arteries (190–350 microns diam) that were distal to atherosclerotic lesions. Microvascular pressure and simultaneous measurements of aortic pressure and myocardial blood flow were used to calculate segmental vascular resistance (large artery resistance and microvascular resistance) during serotonin, phenylephrine, and ergonovine dosages. Aortic pressure was maintained constant during all interventions. Administration of phenylephrine (50 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 iv) produced a similar increase in microvascular resistance from base line (P less than 0.05) in atherosclerotic and normal animals, 26 +/- 5 and 14 +/- 9 mmHg.min.g.ml-1, respectively. Serotonin (50 micrograms/min) did not influence coronary resistance in normal animals but produced a significant increase in both large artery (8 +/- 3 mmHg.min.g.ml-1) and microvascular resistance (21 +/- 6 mmHg.min.g.ml-1) in atherosclerotic animals (P less than 0.05). A higher dose of serotonin (200 micrograms/min) produced a modest increase in large artery resistance from base line in normal animals (3 +/- 1 mmHg.min.g.ml-1) and a greater increase in atherosclerotic animals (9 +/- 4 mmHg.min.g.ml-1) (P less than 0.05 vs. normals). Ergonovine (10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 iv) elevated microvascular resistance in both normal and atherosclerotic animals (P less than 0.05) but increased large artery resistance only in atherosclerotic animals (10 +/- 4 mmHg.min.g.ml-1) (P less than 0.05). In summary, coronary vasoconstrictor responses to serotonin and ergonovine were potentiated by atherosclerosis. Because augmented constrictor responses to serotonin were observed in both the diseased arteries and the microcirculation of atherosclerotic animals, we speculate that the pathophysiological consequences of atherosclerosis extend into the microcirculation.
Noise reduction in estimating cardiac deformation from marker tracks
Authors: Muijtjens A. M. , Roos J. M. , Prinzen T. T. , Hasman A. , Reneman R. S. , Arts T.
Published: December 2017

Deformation of the cardiac wall is measured by using optical or radiopaque markers attached to the wall. When digitized images are used, the accuracy of the measurement of a marker position is limited by pixel resolution and the size of the marker. The spatial accuracy is improved by singular value decomposition (SVD) filtering. This filtering procedure is based on the assumption that displacements of markers are mutually related because they are embedded in a common continuum. In a computer stimulation with 48 markers in 51 video frames, the accuracy of the measurement of a marker position improved from 0.14 to 0.045 (SD) pixel. In an open-chest animal experiment, with markers on the surface of the heart, the deformation patterns were extracted more clearly using SVD filtering, while mutually related high-frequency components were not suppressed. In a 50-frame sequence of 256 X 256 video images of a 45 mm X 35 mm deforming surface with 50 markers of 8 pixels in diameter, the marker position resolution improves from 0.1 to 0.03 (SD) pixel (6 microns). Strain is determined with an accuracy of 0.002 over a distance of 30 pixels (6 mm).
Sensory nerves mediate neurogenic escape in rat gut
Authors: Remak G. , Hottenstein O. D. , Jacobson E. D.
Published: December 2017

We investigated the involvement of primary sensory nerves in intestinal autoregulatory escape induced by postganglionic nerve stimulation (NS) in anesthetized rats. Anterior mesenteric artery (AMA) blood flow velocity (BF) was measured with a pulsed Doppler flowmeter. Periarterial NS elicited an abrupt fall in BF, which was followed by a recovery in BF toward the basal value, despite sustained NS. This recovery from NS constituted the neurogenic escape phenomenon. Vasoconstrictor responses to NS were abolished by periarterial application of tetrodotoxin. Acute, surgical interruption of proximal periarterial nerves had no effect on BF responses to distal NS, suggesting a peripheral rather than a central nervous mechanism for the escape phenomenon. Escape from NS-induced vasoconstriction was significantly inhibited by prior administration of the selective sensory neurotoxin capsaicin as either subcutaneous injection in neonatal life, acute application to periarterial nerves, or acute injection into the jejunal lumen. In rats pretreated 24 h with reserpine, NS provoked a vasodilator response that was inhibited by intrajejunal capsaicin. Increases in arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate observed during NS were blocked by periarterial (but not intrajejunal) application of capsaicin. Transmural electrical field stimulation elicited significantly greater nerve-induced contractions in AMA rings from control rats. Our findings support the hypothesis that postganglionic NS activates both vasoconstrictor sympathetic nerve branches and vasodilator afferent C-fibers. The latter nerves release vasodilator peptides in the periphery during continuous low frequency NS that appear to be essential for autoregulatory escaped in our model.
Hypertensive-diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats
Authors: Fein F. S. , Zola B. E. , Malhotra A. , Cho S. , Factor S. M. , Scheuer J. , Sonnenblick E. H.
Published: December 2017

Left ventricular papillary muscle function, transmembrane action potentials, myosin adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) and isoenzyme distribution, and myocardial pathology were studied in hypertensive (H), diabetic (D), hypertensive-diabetic (HD), and control (C) rats. There was approximately 50% relative left ventricular hypertrophy in H and HD rats. Relative lung and liver weights were greater in HD rats. Peak velocity of shortening tended to decrease progressively in H, D, and HD rats. The duration of contraction and relaxation was markedly prolonged in Ds and HDs. The length-developed tension relation was blunted in HDs. The negative inotropic effect of verapamil was similar in all groups. Resting membrane potential and amplitude were decreased in D and HD rats. Action potential duration was increased in H, D, and especially HD rats. The shortening of action potential duration with increased stimulus frequency was greater in H, D, and especially HD rats than in Cs. Left ventricular myosin ATPase and V1 isoenzyme content decreased progressively in H, D, and HD rats. Right ventricular V1 isoenzyme content was not affected in H rats but was markedly decreased in D and HD rats. Left (and right) ventricular pathology was unchanged in rats with diabetes but was increased in rats with hypertension. These data suggest that the combination of myocardial pathology (due to hypertension) and cellular dysfunction (caused mainly by diabetes) may result in cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure in the HD rat.
Effect of acidosis and alkalosis on postischemic Ca gain in isolated rat heart
Authors: Panagiotopoulos S. , Daly M. J. , Nayler W. G.
Published: December 2017

The effect of pH of the reperfusion buffer on postischemic changes in tissue Ca and Na was examined in isolated Langendorff-perfused Sprague-Dawley rat hearts. Reperfusion began after 15-, 25-, or 60-min ischemia at 37 degrees C. After 60-min ischemia, reperfusion at pH 6.4 or 6.6 attenuated the reperfusion-induced Ca gain so long as the acidotic conditions were maintained (3.08 +/- 0.22, 1.37 +/- 0.41, and 16.96 +/- 1.18 mumol Ca gain/g dry wt for pH 6.4, 6.6, and 7.4, respectively after 15-min reperfusion). Conversely, reperfusion under alkalotic conditions (pH 7.9) after 60-min ischemia exacerbated the gain (27.45 +/- 4.75 and 8.92 +/- 1.53 mumol Ca gain/g dry wt during 5-min reperfusion at pH 7.9 and 7.4, respectively). Similar, but less pronounced Ca gains occurred during reperfusion after 15- or 25-min ischemia. Sodium content during reperfusion, but not during aerobic perfusion, was also found to be pH sensitive with acidosis causing a reduction and alkalosis an increase. These results could not be explained in terms of an effect of pH on recovery of high-energy phosphates, percentage "reflow" during reperfusion, or reperfusion-induced increases in tissue water or resting tension. The results are in agreement with the hypothesis that the "inhibitory" effect of acidosis on postischemic Ca overload could involve an effect of pH on the Na(+)-H+ exchanger and intracellular Ca storage.
Endothelial and smooth muscle cells hyperpolarized by bradykinin are not dye coupled
Authors: Beny J. L.
Published: December 2017

The membrane potential of endothelial and neighboring (0.1 mm) smooth muscle cells of pig coronary arteries were simultaneously recorded with two microelectrodes. The membrane potential of endothelial cells was -40 +/- 4 mV (n = 9). In these cells bradykinin (250 nM), an endothelium-dependent vasodilator, evoked a transient hyperpolarization (14 +/- 2 mV, n = 9) resembling those already observed in smooth muscles. The similarity between the electrical signal of pre- and postmyoendothelial junctions suggested an electrical coupling between endothelial and smooth muscle cells. However, the injection of the fluorescent dye Lucifer yellow in the recorded cell proved that the cell was endothelial, and in addition, the injection demonstrated the absence of dye coupling between endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Moreover the injection of electrical pulses (0.05-3.5 nA) in the endothelial cell never evoked any electrical response in the smooth muscle. By contrast, the smooth muscle cells were electrically coupled-together. These results do not support the idea that the endothelial cell hyperpolarization caused by bradykinin is transmitted to smooth muscle cells by electrotonic spreading.
Effect of blood filling in intramyocardial vessels on coronary arterial inflow
Authors: Goto M. , Tsujioka K. , Ogasawara Y. , Wada Y. , Tadaoka S. , Hiramatsu O. , Yanaka M. , Kajiya F.
Published: December 2017

The influence of the filling condition of the unstressed volume (UV) of intramyocardial vessels on the diastolic coronary arterial pressure-flow relationship was analyzed. UV is defined as the blood volume at zero transmural pressure. In seven anesthetized, paced dogs with induced heart block, coronary artery inflow was occluded so that blood in the UV was displaced into the coronary vein by myocardial contraction. After pacing was turned off, coronary perfusion pressure was increased stepwise to seven target pressures (20-90 mmHg). After reperfusion, left anterior descending coronary arterial (LAD) flow reached an initial quasi-steady level, but great cardiac venous (GCV) flow was absent (UV-unfilled phase). With reappearance of the GCV flow (UV-filled phase), LAD flow decreased to a final steady level. Pressure-flow relationships during both phases were linear (r = 0.97-0.99). The inverse of the slope of the pressure-flow relationship during the UV-filled phase, 0.69 +/- 0.08 mmHg.min.ml-1, was significantly higher than that during the UV-unfilled phase, 0.55 +/- 0.06 mmHg.min.ml-1 (P less than 0.01), although the zero-flow pressure intercepts were similar (18.9 +/- 1.8 mmHg for UV filled vs. 19.9 +/- 2.2 for UV unfilled). These results indicate that diastolic coronary arterial inflow is impeded by a blood volume within intramyocardial vessels that exceeds the UV.
Endothelial modulation of norepinephrine-induced constriction of rat aorta at normal and high CO2 tensions
Authors: Fukuda S. , Matsumoto M. , Nishimura N. , Fujiwara N. , Shimoji K. , Takeshita H. , Lee T. J.
Published: December 2017

Endothelial modulation of norepinephrine (NE)-induced constriction of the isolated rat aorta was studied at normal (PCO2, 41 +/- 0 mmHg) and high CO2 tensions (PCO2, 91 +/- 1 mmHg). In preparations with intact endothelium, increased CO2 tension resulted in rightward shift of the NE dose-response curve with attenuation of maximal contraction. This effect of CO2 was not modified by indomethacin. Treatment with hemoglobin or rubbing of the endothelium meant that increased CO2 tension still resulted in rightward shift of the NE dose-response curve but without altering the maximal contractile response. The basal guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels in control and NE-treated aortic preparations were not affected by increasing the CO2 tension. Thus the inhibitory action of CO2 on NE-induced contraction in the presence of endothelium may not be derived from facilitation of endothelium-derived relaxation factor (EDRF)-induced cGMP synthesis. Increasing the CO2 tension attenuated the sustained contraction induced by the addition of NE and Ca2+ (2.5 mM) to intact endothelium preparations previously bathed in Ca2(+)-free solution. Further addition of Ca2+ (total 5.0 mM) did not increase the contraction. These findings suggest that the intrinsic activity of NE is greatly modified by endothelium at a high CO2 tension. Vasodilation during hypercapnia may be induced at least in part by synergistic actions of EDRF and CO2 on smooth muscle cells.
Hemodynamic changes associated with anaphylaxis in parasite-sensitized rats
Authors: Mathison R. , Befus A. D. , Davison J. S.
Published: December 2017

Thirty days after infection with the parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, microcirculatory changes associated with worm allergen-induced anaphylactic shock in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats were studied. Allergen challenge decreased heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and cardiac output (CO) for 60 min, although CO increased markedly by 240 min. Blood flow (ml.min-1.g wet tissue-1) was reduced to most tissues, with the exception of the kidneys, hepatic arterial, heart, and brain, for 60 min. Depressed flow to the adrenals and enhanced flow to the kidneys, trachea, stomach, and mesentery were observed at 240 min. The percent distribution of cardiac output per gram wet tissue (%CO/g) increased initially to the kidneys, heart, liver, and cervical spinal cord, decreased to the spleen and cecum, and remained unchanged to other gastrointestinal tissues. The %CO/g to most tissues returned to normal by 60 min but decreased to the adrenals at 240 min. The intestine is an important organ affected by anaphylaxis in the rat, and the liver may participate in alleviating anaphylaxis.
Endotoxin inhibits contraction of vascular smooth muscle in vitro
Authors: Beasley D. , Cohen R. A. , Levinsky N. G.
Published: December 2017

Decreased responsiveness of the vasculature to vasoconstrictors has been implicated in the pathogenesis of endotoxic shock, yet the mechanism of diminished responsiveness has not been determined. In these studies, exposure of rat aortic rings to purified Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) in vitro inhibited subsequent contractions caused by vasoconstrictors. Contractions caused by the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine, as well as those induced by potassium depolarization, were depressed by endotoxin. The effect of endotoxin on vascular contractions was delayed. Phenylephrine-induced contractions were not decreased during a 1-h exposure to endotoxin (10 micrograms/ml), but they were markedly decreased when tested several hours after the exposure period. A large part of the inhibition caused by a 1-h exposure to endotoxin was endothelium dependent. In contrast, endotoxin inhibited contractions equally in rings with or without endothelium exposed to endotoxin for a longer period (3 h). The inhibitory effect of endotoxin was not affected by indomethacin, but it was eliminated in aortic rings treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. These studies indicate that endotoxin potently inhibits vascular contraction in vitro. The effect of endotoxin is apparently independent of prostanoids but may involve protein synthesis and effects on both vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells.
Determination of red blood cell oxygenation in vivo by dual video densitometric image analysis
Authors: Ellis C. G. , Ellsworth M. L. , Pittman R. N.
Published: December 2017

We have developed a new video microspectrophotometric system for the in vivo determination of oxygen saturation in red blood cells in striated muscle capillaries. This method allows one to quantify changes in the oxygenation of small groups of red blood cells as they traverse the capillary. Simultaneous images of a single microscopic field are recorded using two silicon-intensified target cameras and high-resolution video recorders. One image is recorded at an oxygen-dependent wave-length (431 nm) and the other at an isosbestic wavelength (420 nm). Light intensities from 10 adjacent pixels aligned along the axis of the capillary from identical 10-s segments of the video-tapes are digitized once per frame. Both sets of data are redisplayed simultaneously as two-dimensional images (10 pixels high x 300 frames wide) using a graphics system. These images show alternating bright and dark bands corresponding to plasma gaps and red blood cells. Light intensities in the presence and absence of red blood cells are determined by positioning a window over the appropriate region of the graphics image. Optical densities of single red blood cells at the two wavelengths, OD431 and OD420, are computed as is their ratio (OD431/OD420), which is linearly related to oxygen saturation. In vivo calibration studies in capillaries of the hamster retractor muscle indicate that the error in measuring oxygen saturation with this technique is approximately 2.7% saturation for a group of 10 cells.
Fabrication, evaluation, and use of extracellular K+ and H+ ion-selective electrodes
Authors: Johnson T. A. , Engle C. L. , Kusy R. P. , Knisley S. B. , Graebner C. A. , Gettes L. S.
Published: December 2017

Ion-selective mini-electrodes have been widely employed to measure extracellular K+ and H+ during myocardial ischemia. However, the recent availability of this technology has not been accompanied by uniform fabrication, amplification, and calibration standards. In their fabrication, the chloride tips of Teflon-coated silver wires should be covered with a cellulose acetate-titanium dioxide sponge followed by a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-valinomycin (K+) or PVC-tridodecylamine (H+) ion-selective membrane. Critical analysis of the nonworking electrodes using scanning electron micrographs has revealed membrane holes, membrane and sponge contamination, Teflon plaque, poor membrane-sponge-Teflon adhesion, and improperly applied or torn membrane. We have also found that signal amplification must have variable-gain filtration (0-1 Hz) with 0.5-pA input offset current and 10(12)-omega input resistance. Furthermore, in vitro calibration in 3 and 10 mM KCl (K+) or pH 8 and 6 buffer (H+) should produce a Nernstian slope +/- 5 or 10%, respectively, at 26 degrees C with a response time less than or equal to 50 ms, resistance greater than or equal to 10(12) omega, and drifts less than or equal to 1 mV/h. In vivo performance and calibration criteria (delineated for K+ only) include 1) transient response to bolus injections of KCl (0.12 mM/kg body wt) yielding peak amplitude changes of 2.5-3.0 mM, response times less than or equal to 10 s, and washout time constants less than or equal to 3 min, and 2) in vivo calibration to artificial independently confirmed systemic [K+] producing a Nernstian slope +/- 15% at 38 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nitric oxide modulates epicardial coronary basal vasomotor tone in awake dogs
Authors: Chu A. , Chambers D. E. , Lin C. C. , Kuehl W. D. , Cobb F. R.
Published: December 2017

This study evaluates the role of endogenous nitric oxide in the modulation of basal coronary vasomotor tone by studying the effects of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide formation from L-arginine, on resting epicardial coronary diameter and coronary flow. L-NMMA (5 mg/kg) was infused in seven awake dogs chronically instrumented with coronary dimension crystals for measurement of epicardial coronary diameter, and Doppler flow probes for quantitation of phasic coronary flow (vasomotion of distal regulatory resistance coronary vessels). Epicardial coronary diameter decreased 5.5% from 3.47 +/- 0.17 to 3.28 +/- 0.15 mm (mean +/- SE). The diameter change was gradual, reaching a maximum at 13 +/- 2 min after infusion, and persistent, lasting greater than 90 min. Phasic coronary flow did not change. Mean aortic pressure significantly increased from 99 +/- 3 to 111 +/- 3 mmHg and heart rate decreased from 56 +/- 4 to 46 +/- 3 beats/min. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and contractility were not significantly altered. L-Arginine (66 mg/kg) but not D-arginine reversed all hemodynamic parameters. These data support an important role of nitric oxide in modulating basal epicardial coronary vasomotor tone and systemic vascular resistance.
Arachidonic acid causes postischemic dysfunction in control but not diabetic hearts
Authors: Pieper G. M.
Published: December 2017

Isovolumically perfused control and chronic diabetic rat hearts were subjected to 20 min of global ischemia plus 30 min of reperfusion at preischemic flow rates. Recoveries of contractile function during reperfusion were similar in both groups. Addition of arachidonic acid produced profound postischemic dysfunction in nondiabetic hearts (isovolumic minute work = 19 +/- 8 vs. 86 +/- 10% of preischemic levels after 30 min), whereas arachidonic acid had no detrimental effect in diabetic hearts. Arachidonic acid also augmented endogenous prostacyclin release in control hearts (untreated 2.28 +/- 0.23 ng/ml; arachidonic acid 4.07 +/- 0.22 ng/ml) but failed to alter postischemic prostacyclin release in diabetic hearts. The arachidonic acid-induced postischemic dysfunction was significantly attenuated by coadministration of the oxygen free radical scavengers, superoxide dismutase plus catalase, but not by indomethacin. Thus arachidonic acid-induced dysfunction in normal hearts appears to be related, in part, to free radical production. The intrinsic capacity of the heart to synthesize prostacyclin as a result of ischemia and reperfusion does not appear to be impaired by diabetes. In contrast, the arachidonic acid-induced increase in prostacyclin following ischemia is blunted in the diabetic heart. Although chronic diabetic hearts showed increased tolerance to arachidonic acid-induced dysfunction during reperfusion, a defect in prostacyclin stimulation may place the diabetic at greater risk of complications of ischemic reperfusion in vivo by reducing the capacity to adequately respond to the aggregatory and vasospastic actions of increased circulating thromboxane consequent to myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.
Electrophysiological effects of L-palmitoylcarnitine in single ventricular myocytes
Authors: Meszaros J. , Pappano A. J.
Published: December 2017

In isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, L-palmitoylcarnitine (L-PC) produced concentration- and time-dependent changes of resting potential (RP) and action potential duration at 50% repolarization (APD50). At 10(-8) to 10(-6) M, L-PC increased APD50 without changing RP. At 10(-5) M, the amphiphile initially increased (0-10 min) and eventually decreased (greater than 10 min) APD50; the membrane depolarized when APD50 decreased. Additionally, transient depolarizations (TDs) were consistently induced in 10(-5) M L-PC within 10 min, and TD amplitude progressively increased with continued exposure to L-PC. The TDs induced in L-PC were augmented by membrane depolarization, elevated extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o), and increased number of stimuli. Elevated [Ca2+]o or neuraminidase treatment also allowed TDs. In neuraminidase, the changes of RP, APD50, and TD amplitude were qualitatively similar to those seen with L-PC. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that 10(-5) M L-PC causes intracellular Ca2+ overload. The blockade of L-PC and neuraminidase-induced TDs by ryanodine is consistent with the intracellular Ca2+ overload hypothesis.
Inhibition of cardiac Na+ currents by isoproterenol
Authors: Schubert B. , Vandongen A. M. , Kirsch G. E. , Brown A. M.
Published: December 2017

The mechanism by which the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (ISO) modulates voltage-dependent cardiac Na+ currents (INa) was studied in single ventricular myocytes of neonatal rat using the gigaseal patch-clamp technique. ISO inhibited INa reversibly, making the effect readily distinguishable from the monotonic decrease of INa caused by the shift in gating that customarily occurs during whole cell patch-clamp experiments (E. Fenwick, A. Marty, and E. Neher, J. Physiol. Lond. 331: 599-635, 1982; and J. M. Fernandez, A. P. Fox, and S. Krasne, J. Physiol. Lond. 356: 565-585, 1984). The inhibition was biphasic, having fast and slow components, and was voltage-dependent, being more pronounced at depolarized potentials. In whole cell experiments the membrane-permeable adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) congener 8-bromo-cAMP reduced INa. In cell-free inside-out patches with ISO present in the pipette, guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP) applied to the inner side of the membrane patch inhibited single Na+ channel activity. This inhibition could be partly reversed by hyperpolarizing prepulses. The nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) greatly reduced the probability of single Na+ channel currents in a Mg2(+)-dependent manner. We propose that ISO inhibits cardiac Na+ channels via the guanine nucleotide binding, signal-transducing G protein that acts through both direct (membrane delimited) and indirect (cytoplasmic) pathways.
Approximation of various canine left ventricular end-systolic relations by a cylinder model
Authors: Takeda K. , Takeda M. , Shimizu T. , Yagi S.
Published: December 2017

Assuming a linear end-systolic force-length relation and a cylindrical geometry of the left ventricle (LV), we have developed a mathematical model (cylinder model) and derived formulas for LV end-systolic force-diameter (Fes-Des), stress-diameter (Ses-Des), pressure-diameter (Pes-Des), and pressure-cylinder volume (Pes-Ves) relations. To assess the validity of this model for the study of the intact LV, eight healthy beagles were instrumented with ultrasonic crystals to measure LV diameter and wall thickness and a micromanometer to measure LV pressures. Preload was altered by vena caval occlusion. Contractility was increased by addition of Ca2+. Fes-Des relation was nearly linear under control contractility, whereas after addition of Ca2+ this relation became concave toward the diameter axis. Linear approximation was more accurate for this relation than for the Pes-Des and Pes-Ves relations in control contractility. Predictions from the model formulas more accurately reproduced observed data in the Pes-Des (P less than 0.01) and Pes-Ves (P less than 0.001) relations than those from linear regression equations, whereas the model predictions for the Ses-Des relation were as accurate as those of a linear regression equation. Although the slope of the Fes-Des relation increased with inotropic stimulation, diameter intercepts of this relation did not change. Thus the present results obtained under control contractility were consistent with assumptions of the model. This cylinder model might provide reasonable approximations for various canine LV end-systolic relations.
H2O2 effects on cerebral prostanoids and pial arteriolar diameter in piglets
Authors: Leffler C. W. , Busija D. W. , Armstead W. M. , Mirro R.
Published: December 2017

Effects of topical application of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on pial arteriolar diameter and cerebral prostanoid synthesis were examined in newborn pigs. H2O2 (10 mM) caused initial constriction during the 1st min, followed by prolonged (20 min) dilation that was reversed on removal of the H2O2 in piglets treated with deferoxamine. H2O2 also caused an increase in cortical periarachnoid 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, thromboxane (TX) B2, and prostaglandin (PG) E2. Indomethacin pretreatment or coadministration of SQ 29548 (PGH2/TXA2 receptor antagonist) with H2O2 blocked the constriction due to H2O2 but did not alter the dilation. The constriction, the dilation, and the increased prostanoids caused by H2O2 were not affected by topical and systemic deferoxamine (an iron chelator) or simultaneous application of FeSO4 and FeCl3. Neither prior treatment with H2O2 nor with H2O2 plus FeSO4 and FeCl3 altered pial arteriolar dilation in response to hypercapnia. Therefore the initial constriction caused by H2O2 appears to result from stimulation of prostanoid synthesis and activation of PGH2/TXA2 receptors, whereas the dilation is not caused by prostanoids. H2O2 alone does not produce detectable residual alteration of pial arteriolar responsiveness or cerebral prostanoid synthesis.
TxA2 inhibition and ischemia-induced loss of myocardial function and reactive hyperemia
Authors: Mehta J. L. , Nichols W. W. , Schofield R. , Donnelly W. H. , Chandna V. K.
Published: December 2017

To determine the contribution of thromboxane (Tx) A2 release in reperfusion injury, 17 dogs were subjected to total coronary occlusion for 1 h and reperfusion for 1 h. Eleven dogs were treated with saline, and six were treated with selective TxA2 synthetase inhibitor U63,557A (5 mg/kg iv) 30 min before coronary artery occlusion. In all saline-treated dogs, peak reactive hyperemia after 10-s total coronary artery occlusion was diminished (P less than 0.01) after reperfusion. Myocardial segmental shortening was also reduced (9.8 +/- 1.9 to -6.7 +/- 2.0%, P less than 0.01) in the reperfused region. Reperfusion was associated with 737 +/- 343 premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) per hour. Histology revealed extensive myocardial infiltration and capillary plugging by leukocytes in the reperfused region. Myeloperoxidase, an index of leukocyte infiltration, was also increased (P less than 0.02) in the reperfused region. In the U63,557A-treated animals, serum and plasma TxB2 levels were markedly (P less than 0.02) reduced. Decrease in myocardial shortening fraction was less in U63,557A- than in saline-treated animals (P less than 0.05). The frequency of reperfusion PVCs was also significantly reduced (10 +/- 5 PVCs/h, P less than 0.02 compared with saline-treated dogs). However, peak reactive hyperemia was reduced similar to that in saline-treated dogs. Myocardial infiltration and capillary plugging by leukocytes in the reperfused regions was also similar in the U63,557A- and saline-treated dogs. These results indicate that treatment with U63,557A decreases reperfusion arrhythmias and preserves myocardial function. However, coronary reperfusion-induced deterioration in reactive hyperemia is not affected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Sympathetic reactivity of cerebral arteries in developing fetal lamb and adult sheep
Authors: Wagerle L. C. , Kurth C. D. , Roth R. A.
Published: December 2017

The response of cerebral arteries to norepinephrine was examined in vivo in six dated preterm fetal (94-121 days gestation), eight term fetal (127-141 days gestation), five newborn (7-14 days), and five adult sheep, anesthetized and equipped with a closed cranial window. Norepinephrine (10(-8)-10(-4) M in cerebrospinal fluid) caused a dose-dependent decrease in pial arteriolar diameter in fetal and newborn lambs; however, preterm fetuses were 7- and 14-fold more sensitive to norepinephrine than term fetuses and newborn lambs, respectively. The effective concentration of norepinephrine inducing a 15% decrease in diameter (EC15) was 4.6 +/- 1.8, 33 +/- 11, and 64 +/- 23 microM, for the respective ages. Adult cerebral arterioles did not contract to norepinephrine. In preterm and term fetuses, the contractile response to norepinephrine was blocked by alpha 1-antagonist, prazosin (3 mg iv), and was enhanced by cocaine (10(-5) M; EC15 = 0.086 +/- 0.04 and 1.84 +/- 1.20 microM, respectively) indicating that alpha 1-adrenoceptors mediate the response and that the decrease in sensitivity is not caused by development of neuronal uptake processes. In seven fetuses (111-141 days; mean 123 days gestation), electrical stimulation of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion constricted pial arterioles by 21 +/- 5%; this contractile response was also blocked by prazosin. The cerebral arterioles of the fetus in utero possess a functional sympathetic innervation capable of influencing cerebrovascular resistance. There is a loss of responsiveness of cerebral arterioles to norepinephrine during fetal and postnatal development, suggesting that the contribution of neuroadrenergic mechanisms to cerebrovascular regulation may be relatively unique to the immature brain.
Detergents, dimeric G beta gamma, and eicosanoid pathways to muscarinic atrial K+ channels
Authors: Yatani A. , Okabe K. , Birnbaumer L. , Brown A. M.
Published: December 2017

Control experiments for the direct effects of G protein beta gamma-subunits (G beta gamma) on muscarinic atrial K+ channel [K+ (ACh)] currents have produced different results (Nature Lond. 327: 21-22, 1987; Nature Lond. 325: 296-297, 1987; Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol. 53: 365-373, 1989). A recent view is that stimulation is indirect via phospholipase by (PLA2) and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites (Nature Lond. 337: 504-505, 1989). On reexamination we found that 1) the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) used to suspend beta gamma stimulates atrial K+ (ACh) currents by itself, and the effects are concentration and Mg2+ dependent; 2) CHAPS stimulates atrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel and inwardly rectifying K+ channel currents; 3) blockers of eicosanoid pathways have nonspecific effects on atrial K+, Ca2+, and Na+ channels. We have confirmed that detergent-free, hydrophilic G beta gamma-subunits inhibit K+ (ACh) currents. Stimulatory effects of dimeric G beta gamma could not be separated from stimulatory effects of detergent, and blockers of PLA2 or lipoxygenase pathways do not clearly establish the significance of these pathways to atrial K+ (ACh) currents.
Acute open-chest complete heart block by transeptal electrocoagulation
Authors: Tonkin J. C. , D'Alecy L. G.
Published: December 2017

A method of producing complete heart block (CHB) in open-chest dogs is described. Having found previous methods unreliable in our hands or excessively complex for the acute open-chest setting, we constructed an electrocautery pinch-clamp device that functions in both locating and destroying the area of the atrial septum that contains the atrioventricular node and His bundle. Fifteen male mongrel dogs were anesthetized with alpha-chloralose, intubated, and ventilated (Harvard 607). Through a left thoracotomy at the fifth intercostal space, the two arms of the clamp are introduced into the left and right atria, respectively, via the atrial appendages. The correct site for electrocautery is located by gently squeezing the atrial septum between the arms of the clamp. Systematic testing of the region of the septum that lies, roughly, between the coronary sinus ostium and the anterior portion of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve will result in a rhythm disturbance when the correct site is squeezed. Sustained pressure will yield overt dissociation of the atrial and ventricular contractions. The electrocautery current is then activated for 10-15 s. Lead II of the electrocardiogram is monitored, and if CHB is not sustained after 5 min, the procedure is repeated. Once CHB is established, the clamp is removed and the atrial defects are ligated. By application of this method with no prior use of the technique, 12 of 15 attempts produced stable CHB lasting at least 3-4 h. Examination of the hearts of eight of the animals revealed no septal defects or damage to the tricuspid valve. We conclude that this method offers significant advantages for the production of CHB in acute studies in the dog.
Microvascular permeability to endogenous plasma proteins in the jejunum
Authors: Mortillaro N. A. , Taylor A. E.
Published: December 2017

Steady-state lymph flow and lymph (CL) and plasma (CP) protein concentrations were measured at venous outflow pressures of 0, 10, 20, and 30 mmHg in an autoperfused segment of cat jejunum. In addition to determining total protein concentrations in lymph and plasma, polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis was used to determine lymph and plasma protein concentrations of albumin and nine other plasma proteins. The osmotic reflection coefficient (sigma d) for total proteins, albumin, and each of the nine protein fractions was estimated using CL/CP at a capillary filtration rate independent state, when 1 - CL/CP = sigma d. A sigma d of 0.83 was obtained for total proteins, a value similar to that reported for both dog jejunum and descending colon (0.85) but appreciably different from that reported for both cat stomach (0.78) and ileum (0.92). Additionally, sigma d for albumin and each of the nine plasma protein fractions (molecular radii ranging from 37 to 120 A) increased as molecular radius increased. A two-pore model composed of a ratio of 3,750 48-A radius small pores to one 250-A radius large pore describes the data obtained, with 82% of the total volume flow occurring through the small pores and 16% through the large pores.
Phasic regional myocardial inflow and outflow: comparison of theory and experiments
Authors: Chadwick R. S. , Tedgui A. , Michel J. B. , Ohayon J. , Levy B. I.
Published: December 2017

We developed a theory for regional blood flow in the beating heart and validated it with measurements of coronary arterial inflow and venous outflow in the open-chest anesthetized dog. The model used measured aortic, left ventricular, and coronary sinus pressures as input data under control conditions and during long diastoles induced by vagal stimulation. A nonlinear two-compartment lumped model for each transmural layer was obtained by spatial averaging a continuum description of the myocardial microcirculation based on morphometric measurements and appropriate fluid and vascular mechanics principles. The chief results and conclusions of the study are 1) an intramyocardial time constant on the order of 1 s is required to explain the phase opposition between inflow and outflow; 2) capillary and venous perfusion are in phase with arterial pressure, and arterial flow is out of phase with arterial pressure except in superficial intramural layers; 3) subendocardial retrograde systolic flow increases with increased contractility and time constants and decreased arterial pressure; and 4) endocardial capillary and venule volume change by 5.5 and 10%, respectively, during the control cardiac cycle.
Disruption of blood-brain barrier during acute hypertension in adult and aged rats
Authors: Mayhan W. G.
Published: December 2017

The goal of this study was to determine whether the susceptibility of the blood-brain barrier to disruption during acute hypertension is altered in aged rats. Intravital fluorescent microscopy and fluorescein-labeled albumin were used to evaluate disruption of the blood-brain barrier during acute hypertension in adult Wistar rats (6-8 mo) and aged Wistar rats (24-26 mo). Permeability of the blood-brain barrier albumin and by counting the number of microvascular leaky sites under control conditions and during acute arterial hypertension in adult and aged rats. Pressure in pial venules, which are the primary site of disruption of the blood-brain barrier during acute hypertension, and in pial arterioles was measured using a servo-null device. In adult rats, when systemic arterial pressure was increased from 124 +/- 5 (means +/- SE) to 190 +/- 5 mmHg, clearance of albumin increased from 0.10 +/- 0.05 to 1.64 +/- 0.76 X 10(-6) ml/s. In aged rats, when systemic arterial pressure was increased from 116 +/- 4 to 185 +/- 3 mmHg, clearance of albumin increased from 0.10 +/- 0.03 to 1.56 +/- 0.49 X 10(-6) ml/s. Increases in pial venular pressure and pial arteriolar pressure also were similar in adult and aged rats. Thus the findings suggest that the susceptibility of the blood-brain barrier to disruption during acute hypertension is similar in adult and aged rats.
Coronary sinus pressure has a direct effect on gradient for coronary perfusion
Authors: Scheel K. W. , Williams S. E. , Parker J. B.
Published: December 2017

In previous work from this laboratory we demonstrated that the coronary pressure-flow relationship exhibits a zero pressure intercept in the absence of the influence of the collateral circulation. In the present study we determined the effect of varying coronary sinus pressures on coronary perfusion. Specifically, we investigated whether coronary flow would cease when the coronary inflow pressure equaled the coronary sinus pressure. The study was performed while inflow perfusion pressure to all coronary vessels was changed simultaneously in order to reduce the influence of the collateral circulation while coronary sinus outflow was measured. Coronary pressure-flow relationships were obtained for coronary sinus pressures of 0, 10, and 20 mmHg. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between perfusion pressure and coronary sinus pressure (r2 = 0.994 +/- 0.001), which passed through the origin. We conclude that coronary sinus pressures between 0 and 20 mmHg have a direct influence on coronary perfusion.
Two zero-flow pressure intercepts exist in autoregulating isolated skeletal muscle
Authors: Braakman R. , Sipkema P. , Westerhof N.
Published: December 2017

The autoregulating vascular bed of the isolated canine extensor digitorum longus muscle was investigated for the possible existence of two positive zero-flow pressure axis intercepts, a tone-dependent one and a tone-independent one. An isolated preparation, perfused with autologous blood, was used to exclude effects of collateral flow and nervous and humoral regulation while autoregulation was left intact [mean autoregulatory gain 0.50 +/- 0.24 (SD)]. In a first series of experiments, the steady-state (zero flow) pressure axis intercept [mean 8.9 +/- 2.6 (SD) mmHg, tone independent] and the instantaneous (zero flow) pressure axis intercept [mean 28.5 +/- 9.9 (SD) mmHg, tone dependent] were determined as a function of venous pressure (range: 0-45 mmHg) and were independent of venous pressure until the venous pressure exceeded their respective values. Beyond this point the relations between the venous pressure and the steady-state and instantaneous pressure axis intercept followed the line of identity. The findings agree with the predictions of the vascular waterfall model. In a second series it was shown by means of administration of vasoactive drugs that the instantaneous pressure axis intercept is tone dependent, whereas the steady-state pressure axis intercept is not. It is concluded that there is a (proximal) tone-dependent zero-flow pressure at the arteriolar level and a (distal) tone-independent zero-flow pressure at the venous level.
Radio-frequency ablation: effect of voltage and pulse duration on canine myocardium
Authors: Bardy G. H. , Sawyer P. L. , Johnson G. W. , Reichenbach D. D.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this investigation was to examine in vivo the relationship of radio-frequency (RF) pulse voltage and duration on the volume of tissue injury. RF 500-kHz pulses of 20-, 40-, and 60-V amplitude (RMS) were applied to the epicardium of 18 dogs for pulsing periods of 5-20 s. Systematic and quantitative tissue analysis was then performed after 30 days. No chronic lesions were evident on microscopic examination for 20-V RF pulse applications up to 15 s. Application of 20-V pulses for 20 s produced small lesions having a volume of 2.4 +/- 0.7 mm3. At 40 V, the volume of tissue injury ranged from 39.1 +/- 10.3 mm3 for 5 s of pulse application to 128.8 +/- 24.8 mm3 for 20 s of pulse application. Over the first 15 s of 40-V pulse application, the volume of tissue injury increased as pulse application time increased. There was no further increase in tissue injury for 40-V pulsing durations greater than 15 s. At 60 V, volumes of tissue injury ranged from 122.7 +/- 33.5 mm3 at 5 s to 313.6 +/- 73.7 mm3 at 20 s. Lesion size increased significantly for pulse durations of up to 10 s. Thereafter, 60-V pulses yielded little increase in tissue injury. In addition, persistent 60-V pulsing for periods greater than 9 s duration resulted in arcing and tissue vaporization in 28% of the applications. Thus RF energy is limited in its ability to create safe and effective tissue injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Measurement of mean circulatory filling pressure and vascular compliance in domestic pigs
Authors: Ogilvie R. I. , Zborowska-Sluis D. , Tenaschuk B.
Published: December 2017

To measure mean circulatory filling pressure (Pmcf), a balloon was placed in the right atrium of seven pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized open-chest pigs for transient occlusion of flow combined with mechanical transfer of blood from the arterial to the venous circulation. Equilibration occurred within 6-8 s at a pressure at 12.3 +/- 0.3 (SE) mmHg after a 2.9 +/- 0.2 ml/kg transfer of blood. In another group of pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized closed-chest pigs, acetylcholine (ACh) was used to induce cardiac arrest. The Pmcf was 11.6 +/- 1.0 mmHg in the 7:17 pigs that arrested for 6-8 s. In four isoflurane-anesthetized closed-chest pigs, the Pmcf was 12.0 +/- 1.0 mmHg after terminal cardiac arrest induced by KCl. The pressure gradient for venous return [Pmcf--right atrial pressure (Pra)] averaged 5.9 +/- 0.2 mmHg. Total vascular compliance estimated from plots of Pmcf at base line, 5, and 10 ml/kg increases in circulating volume was 2.1 +/- 0.3 and 3.5 +/- 0.9 ml.kg-1.mmHg-1 in the balloon and ACh groups, respectively compared with 2.8 +/- 0.4 ml.kg-1.mmHg-1 using a volume infusion-withdrawal method without circulatory arrest. The use of ACh for the estimate of Pmcf in the pig is not recommended because of failure to consistently induce circulatory arrest and probable failure to achieve sufficient equilibrium of vascular pressures 6-8 s postarrest when it occurs.