bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of exercise on left ventricular-arterial coupling assessed in the pressure-volume plane
Authors: Little W. C. , Cheng C. P.
Published: December 2017

The left ventricle (LV) and arterial system are nearly optimally coupled to produce stroke work (SW) at rest. However, the effect of exercise on the coupling between the LV and arterial system has not been directly determined. We evaluated 11 dogs who were instrumented to determine LV volume from three diameters. The LV end-systolic pressure (Pes)-volume (Ves) relation was determined by transient caval occlusion at rest and while the animals ran at 5-7 mph on a treadmill. During exercise, the Pes-Ves relation was shifted toward the left and the slope [end-systolic elastance (Ees)] increased from 7.7 +/- 2.8 to 12.7 +/- 4.2 (SD) mmHg/ml (P < 0.05). The arterial end-systolic elastance (Ea), calculated as Pes divided by stroke volume, increased during exercise (8.8 +/- 3.0 to 10.9 +/- 4.7 mmHg/ml, P < 0.05). The ratio of Ees to Ea increased during exercise from 0.89 +/- 0.31 to 1.27 +/- 0.12 (P < 0.05). The portion of the pressure-volume area expressed as SW increased during exercise from 0.63 +/- 0.07 to 0.69 +/- 0.10 (P < 0.05). After adrenergic blockade, the Ees-to-Ea ratio was not significantly altered during exercise (0.90 +/- 0.24 vs. 0.83 +/- 0.15, P = NS). At rest and during exercise, both with intact reflexes and after beta-adrenergic blockade, the ratio of Ees to Ea remained within the range in which SW is > 95% of maximum. We conclude that during exercise, beta-adrenergic stimulation shifts the LV Pes-Ves relation to the left with an increased slope. This more than offsets the increase in Ea.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Histamine increases venular permeability via a phospholipase C-NO synthase-guanylate cyclase cascade
Authors: Yuan Y. , Granger H. J. , Zawieja D. C. , DeFily D. V. , Chilian W. M.
Published: December 2017

In this study, we hypothesized that histaminergic increases in venular permeability result from a cascade triggered by activation of phospholipase C (PLC), inducing the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and activating guanylate cyclase. The apparent permeability coefficient to albumin (Pa) was measured in isolated porcine coronary venules subjected to constant flow and hydrostatic and oncotic pressures. Histamine (2.5, 5, and 10 microM) transiently and progressively increased Pa. The PLC inhibitor 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl N,N-diphenylcarbamate (NCDC; 100 microM) decreased baseline permeability and abolished the effect of histamine. The NO synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 10 microM) and the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 6-anilinoquinoline-5,8-quinone (LY 83583; 10 microM) also blocked the histamine-induced hyperpermeability. L-Arginine (3 mM) reversed the inhibition by L-NMMA. NG-monomethyl-D-arginine did not influence the effect of histamine. Furthermore, sodium nitroprusside (10 microM) augmented Pa by two- to threefold; this effect was blocked in the presence of LY 83583 but not altered in the presence of NCDC. The results suggest that histamine increases coronary venular permeability by a direct action on the venular endothelial cells through a PLC-NO synthase-guanylate cyclase-signaling cascade.
Thrombin and bradykinin initiate discrete endothelial solute permeability mechanisms
Authors: Schaeffer R. C. , Gong F. , Bitrick M. S. , Smith T. L.
Published: December 2017

This study documents the discrete solute permeability mechanisms associated with physiologically high concentrations of human alpha-thrombin and bradykinin stimulation of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell (BPAEC) monolayers using fluorescein isothiocyanate-hydroxyethyl starch macromolecules. Agonist-induced alterations of intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) using fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester were also measured. BPAEC monolayers showed restricted diffusion consistent with a small-pore (approximately 150 A) radius under baseline conditions. Thrombin produced a major increase in monolayer permeability that was greatest for solute molecular radii (ae) > 100 A. This effect was associated with the exposure of the large (approximately 2,000 A) pores of the filter support by 50- to 1,050-microns2 open areas between approximately 0.5% of the adjacent endothelial cells. This heterogeneous endothelial barrier of parallel large- and small-pore transport pathways permitted solute convection with free diffusion across a few large pores to dominate the restricted diffusion of most apparently unperturbed endothelial junctions. Bradykinin produced a small, transient elevation in monolayer permeability to ae < 35 A, consistent with an increase in the number of small pores or a decrease in path length of this transport pathway. The bradykinin- and thrombin-induced peak elevations in [Ca2+]i were inversely associated with the degree of increased monolayer solute permeability, and enzymatically inhibited thrombin produced none of these effects. These data show that bradykinin and human alpha-thrombin represent two distinct classes of endothelial cell agonists that initiate discrete solute permeability mechanisms.
Ventricular stroke work and efficiency both remain nearly optimal despite altered vascular loading
Authors: De Tombe P. P. , Jones S. , Burkhoff D. , Hunter W. C. , Kass D. A.
Published: December 2017

Recent clinical and animal studies have suggested that ventricular-vascular coupling normally operates at either optimal ventricular efficiency (EFF = stroke work/myocardial oxygen consumption) or stroke work (SW) and that efficiency in particular is compromised by cardiac dysfunction. These distinctions between coupling states at maximal work vs. efficiency are largely based on theoretical models. To date, there are few direct experimental data defining optimal conditions for each parameter, respectively, in the same heart or tests of whether changes from these conditions must produce significant declines in both parameters. Therefore, 10 isolated blood-perfused canine hearts were studied at varying contractilities, with the heart ejecting into a simulated three-element Windkessel model of arterial impedance. For a given inotropic state [indexed by the slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (Ees)], myocardial oxygen consumption and SW were measured over a broad range of afterload resistances. The latter was indexed by the effective arterial elastance (Ea) and ventricular-vascular interaction expressed by the ratio of Ea to Ees (Ea/Ees). On average, maximal SW occurred at Ea/Ees = 0.80 +/- 0.16, whereas EFF was maximal at Ea/Ees = 0.70 +/- 0.15 (P < 0.01). However, these differences were small, and both SW and EFF were > or = 90% of their respective optima over a broad overlapping range of Ea-to-Ees ratios (0.3-1.3, corresponds with ejection fractions ranging from approximately 40 to 80%). These data show that both SW and efficiency are nearly maximal under many conditions of ventricular-vascular interaction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of amiloride and selected analogues on postischemic recovery of cardiac contractile function
Authors: Meng H. P. , Maddaford T. G. , Pierce G. N.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of the present study was to compare the protective effects of amiloride and three of its derivatives (which are selective inhibitors of Na(+)-H+ exchange) during postischemic reperfusion. Previously, amiloride has been shown to have a protective effect on ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, because of its nonselective actions, the mechanism of its effect is unclear. 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride (DMA) is also protective and appears to act via inhibition of the Na(+)-H+ exchanger. However, corroborative effects using other selective Na(+)-H+ exchange blockers are needed. Amiloride, DMA, ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIPA), and 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)-amiloride (HMA) were included for 10 min in the reperfusion period after 60 min of global ischemia in the rat right ventricular wall. Peak developed tension and the rates of tension generation and relaxation were significantly improved during reperfusion in the presence of 100 microM amiloride, 10 microM DMA, 2.5 microM HMA, or 1 microM EIPA compared with those of drug-untreated muscles. Contracture formation was significantly depressed in the presence of these drug concentrations as was release of creatine kinase from the ventricular wall into the coronary effluent. The efficacy of these drugs for protecting the right ventricular wall from postischemic contractile dysfunction correlates well with their potency as blockers of Na(+)-H+ exchange. The results provide further evidence in support of a role for Na(+)-H+ exchange. The results provide further evidence in support of a role for Na(+)-H+ exchange in determining ischemia-reperfusion injury in the heart.
Deferoxamine prevents lipid peroxidation and attenuates reoxygenation injury in postischemic skeletal muscle
Authors: Fantini G. A. , Yoshioka T.
Published: December 2017

In the presence of the transition metal iron, superoxide anion and H2O2 generated on reperfusion of postichemic tissue combine to form hydroxyl radical, which readily attacks membrane-associated polyunsaturated fatty acids in a free radical process, resulting in lipid peroxidation. To evaluate whether iron chelation with deferoxamine interrupts this process in postischemic skeletal muscle, high-grade partial hindlimb ischemia was created in Sprague-Dawley rats by clamping the infrarenal aorta for 90 min, after which period the clamp was removed and flow was reestablished for 60 min. Lipid peroxidation in skeletal muscle was assessed by determination of tissue thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS); membrane dysfunction was assessed by measurement of resting membrane potential (Em). Ischemia was accompanied by an increase in muscle TBARS and depolarization of resting Em. On reperfusion, muscle TBARS continued to increase, whereas resting Em remained depolarized. Pretreatment with deferoxamine prevented lipid peroxidation during ischemia but had no effect on resting Em. On reperfusion in the deferoxamine-treated animals, there was still no increase in muscle TBARS, and partial repolarization of resting Em was noted. It is concluded that 1) high-grade partial ischemia in skeletal muscle is accompanied by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation via a mechanism that persists and accelerates on reoxygenation, 2) lipid peroxidation impacts on functional membrane integrity during the reperfusion phase only, and 3) membrane injury accompanying ischemia and reperfusion may occur through fundamentally different mechanisms, of which only the latter is iron dependent.
Parathyroid hormone increases cytosolic calcium concentration in adult rat cardiac myocytes
Authors: Smogorzewski M. , Zayed M. , Zhang Y. B. , Roe J. , Massry S. G.
Published: December 2017

The heart is a target organ for parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the action of this hormone on the myocardium may be mediated through the ability of PTH to increase cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) in the myocardial cells. However, direct evidence for such an effect of PTH is lacking, and the mechanism(s) through which the hormone can potentially exert such an effect have not been elucidated. In the present study these questions were examined using cardiac myocytes isolated from adult rats. Both PTH-(1–34) and PTH-(1–84) produced a dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i of myocytes, but the effect of the latter was significantly (P < 0.01) greater than the former. This action of PTH was abolished by the inactivation of the hormone, the use of a PTH antagonist, or by verapamil. The G protein activator, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiothriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), mimicked the effect of PTH, whereas pertussis toxin, the G protein inhibitor, guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S), or ryanodine significantly reduced the PTH-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. Dibutyryl- and 8-bromoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, forskolin, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate, and staurosporine did not increase [Ca2+]i in myocytes, and staurosporine did not alter the PTH-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. BAY K 8644 augmented the effect of PTH on [Ca2+]i. These data demonstrate that 1) PTH increases [Ca2+]i of cardiac myocytes, 2) this action is receptor mediated and is produced by activation of the L-type calcium channels following stimulation of G protein(s), and 3) the rise in [Ca2+]i is due to both augmented entry of calcium into the myocytes and mobilization of calcium from sarcoplasmic reticulum by a calcium-induced calcium release mechanism.
Alterations in ANG II responsiveness in left and right myocardium after infarction-induced heart failure in rats
Authors: Capasso J. M. , Li P. , Zhang X. , Meggs L. G. , Anversa P.
Published: December 2017

To determine the effects of coronary arterial occlusion on the contractile response of the heart to angiotensin II (ANG II) administration, large infarcts were surgically induced in Sprague-Dawley rats at 2 mo of age. Forty-eight hours later, hearts from experimental animals presented a hemodynamic profile indicative of left ventricular failure and right ventricular dysfunction and revealed a loss of mass of 49.3 +/- 10.8% of the left ventricle inclusive of the interventricular septum. Plasma renin activity was found to be decreased by 48% in animals with occlusion of the left main coronary artery. Left and right posterior papillary muscles removed from these same hearts were evaluated mechanically in the presence and absence of ANG II. Contractile performance was impaired in left ventricular myocardium from infarcted rats as evidenced by the inability to attain developed tension similar to that seen in control rats. In addition, peak rates of tension rise and decay were significantly depressed. A reduction in contraction duration was also found in experimental animals, limiting the active state of the myocardium. ANG II resulted in a depression in the force-generating ability of left and right papillary muscles of control and experimental animals. Importantly, the negative inotropic effect of ANG II affected the left and right myocardium from infarcted rats by nearly twofold and threefold more than the corresponding muscles from controls. Morphometric evaluation revealed the absence of damage in both papillary muscles from control hearts and in the right muscles from experimental animals. However, necrotic tissue comprised 28.3 +/- 9.8% of left papillary muscles obtained from infarcted ventricles. It is concluded that ANG II administration resulted in reduced mechanical performance of rat myocardium. Coronary arterial ligation potentiated this phenomenon, and such a negative effect may have implication in infarction induced heart failure in vivo.
Spontaneous diameter oscillations of the radial artery in humans
Authors: Hayoz D. , Tardy Y. , Rutschmann B. , Mignot J. P. , Achakri H. , Feihl F. , Meister J. J. , Waeber B. , Brunner H. R.
Published: December 2017

In this study we investigated whether there exists a periodic contractile activity of the radial artery, and we evaluated the impact of such an oscillatory behavior on the mechanical properties of this medium-sized muscular vessel. The internal diameter of the right radial artery was measured noninvasively in six healthy male volunteers aged 18–42 yr using a high-precision ultrasonic echo-tracking device. Blood pressure was simultaneously recorded on the same side at the middle finger by photoplethysmography. The electrical activity of the heart was monitored during the entire experiment by electrocardiography. The frequency components of the arterial diameter, blood pressure, and heart rate were obtained using spectral analysis. Under resting conditions, the radial arterial diameter exhibited a spontaneous oscillation with a period ranging from 45 to 70 s and an amplitude of 80 +/- 14 microns (+/- SE). No very low-frequency mode (< or = 0.02 Hz) was identified in either heart rate or blood pressure. These diameter oscillations affected the distensibility-pressure curves acquired simultaneously. Thus the 3–4% oscillatory variation in arterial diameter was paralleled by a 1.5- to 2-fold change in distensibility. These low-frequency oscillations of large arteries seem to be mediated by an intrinsic vascular mechanism.
Pial microvascular hemodynamics in anemia
Authors: Hurn P. D. , Traystman R. J. , Shoukas A. A. , Jones M. D.
Published: December 2017

Isovolemic hemodilution and subsequent anemia increase cerebral blood flow (CBF). We hypothesized that pial microvascular pressure also increases with hemodilution and that arteriolar diameter varies concurrently as a myogenic autoregulatory response. First- and second-order arterioles (31–92 microns, n = 29) and large venules (65–215 microns, n = 17) were studied in thiopental-anesthetized rats. Microvascular pressure was determined using the servo-null technique, and vessel diameters were obtained directly from a video monitoring system. We measured the increase in CBF (radiolabeled microspheres) that accompanies hemodilution in a separate group of animals (n = 20). Hematocrit was reduced to 16-36% with homologous plasma (hemodilution group, n = 13) or held constant with homologous whole blood (control group, n = 4). In control animals, arteriolar and venular diameter varied +/- 1-2 microns from baseline values, and microvascular pressure remained unchanged from baseline. In the hemodilution group, CBF increased, but there was no systematic pial vasodilation. Furthermore, intraluminal pressure did not increase in pial microvessels, suggesting that proximal vasodilation was negligible even at the lowest hematocrit studied. Vascular resistance fell proportionately in both large vessel and microvascular segments. We conclude that experimental anemia does not produce alterations in microvascular pressure in rats, and the hyperemia accompanying hemodilution is largely viscosity mediated.
Metabolic and functional responses of immature and mature rabbit hearts to hypoperfusion, ischemia, and reperfusion
Authors: Matherne G. P. , Headrick J. P. , Berr S. , Berne R. M.
Published: December 2017

Relationships between contractile function and cytosolic metabolism were examined in mature and immature rabbit hearts during graded hypoperfusion, global ischemia, and reperfusion. Differences in basal contractile function and metabolic demand in immature and mature hearts were paralleled by differences in energy substrate indexed by the phosphorylation potential and phosphocreatine (PCr) levels but not by differences in ATP, pH, or inorganic phosphate (Pi). During graded hypoperfusion, contractility declined comparably in both age groups. Relative changes in [ATP], [PCr], and [Pi] were similar in both groups, whereas pH declined to a greater extent in mature hearts, and [Mg2+] declined to a greater extent in immature hearts. Contractile function correlated most consistently with [Pi] and supports the notion that Pi (and H+) are primary determinants of function in underperfused immature and mature hearts. Aerobic efficiency declined in immature but not mature hearts during hypoperfusion, reflecting an improved ratio of ATP formation relative to ATP hydrolysis in the hypoperfused immature myocardium. Finally, the enhanced contractile recovery from global ischemia in immature compared with mature hearts (to 93 +/- 4 vs. 79 +/- 2% of basal function) was unrelated to recovery of ATP, Pi, pH, Mg2+, [ATP]/[ADP].[Pi], or free-energy change of ATP hydrolysis. Age-related differences in maintenance of ATP may be related to enhanced metabolic activation of glycolysis coupled with better buffering of pH and an improved match between ATP hydrolysis and ATP formation in immature heart.
Neural mechanism underlying basilar arterial constriction by intracisternal L-NNA in anesthetized dogs
Authors: Toda N. , Ayajiki K. , Okamura T.
Published: December 2017

Basilar arterial diameters were angiographically measured in anesthetized dogs in which systemic blood pressure and heart rate were also monitored. Injections of NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), a NO synthase inhibitor, into the cisterna magna produced a significant, persistent decrease in arterial diameter, the effect being reversed by intracisternal injections of L-arginine. The vasoconstrictor effect of L-NNA was diminished in dogs treated with hexamethonium. On the other hand, treatment with phentolamine in a dose sufficient to lower blood pressure to a level similar to that attained with hexamethonium did not inhibit, but rather potentiated, the effect of intracisternal L-NNA. Nicotine injected into the vertebral artery significantly dilated the basilar artery. The effect was abolished by treatment with L-NNA applied intracisternally, the inhibition being reversed by the addition of L-arginine. Systemic blood pressure and heart rate were not altered by intracisternally applied L-NNA and L-arginine. These findings support the hypothesis that basilar arterial constriction caused by intracisternal L-NNA is associated with a suppression of NO synthesis in nitroxidergic nerves innervating the cerebroarterial wall rather than an elimination of basal release of NO from the endothelium. Functional importance of nitroxidergic vasodilator innervation in cerebral arteries in vivo is thus clarified.
Differences in EDNO contribution to arteriolar diameters at rest and during functional dilation in striated muscle
Authors: Hester R. L. , Eraslan A. , Saito Y.
Published: December 2017

This study was designed to determine the physiological role of endothelium-dependent nitric oxide (EDNO) in the control of arteriolar diameter during rest and muscle stimulation. Diameters of first-, second-, and third-order arterioles in the superfused hamster cremaster muscle were measured before and throughout 1 min of field stimulation before and after inhibition of EDNO release. ENDO inhibition by intravenous N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) significantly attenuated the arteriolar vasodilation in response to 1 microM acetylcholine. First-order arterioles averaged 65 +/- 5 microns at rest and dilated to 86 +/- 6 microns during muscle stimulation (n = 9), second-order arterioles averaged 45 +/- 6 microns and dilated to 72 +/- 3 microns during muscle stimulation (n = 6), with third-order arterioles averaging 29 +/- 2 microns, and dilating to 53 +/- 3 microns during muscle stimulation (n = 7). EDNO inhibition significantly decreased both the resting diameter of first-order arterioles (57 +/- 4 microns) and functional dilation (68 +/- 3 microns; P <0.05). EDNO inhibition had no effect on the resting diameter of second-order arterioles (45 +/- 5 microns) yet significantly attenuated the functional dilation (64 +/- 4 microns; P < 0.05). EDNO inhibition had no effect on either the resting diameter of third-order arterioles (30 +/- 2 microns) or the functional dilation (49 +/- 2 microns).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Topical hyperglycemia rapidly suppresses EDRF-mediated vasodilation of normal rat arterioles
Authors: Bohlen H. G. , Lash J. M.
Published: December 2017

Arteriolar dilation to endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) is suppressed early in diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute exposure to a hyperglycemic media can suppress EDRF function of normal arterioles. Dilation of intestinal arterioles to iontophoretically applied acetylcholine (ACh) and nitroprusside was measured in normoglycemic rats before and after 1 h of topical exposure to isotonic solutions containing D-glucose concentrations of 200, 300, and 500 mg/100 ml. Exposure to a D-glucose concentration of 200 mg/100 ml had no effect on vasodilation to ACh. D-Glucose concentrations of both 300 and 500 mg/100 ml caused significant suppression of the responses: for example, at the approximate 50% effective dosage (100 nA), the dilatory response was decreased by 60% at a D-glucose concentration of 300 mg/100 ml and 55% at a D-glucose concentration of 500 mg/100 ml. Responses to nitroprusside were not significantly (P < 0.05) impaired after exposure to D-glucose concentrations of 200, 300, or 500 mg/100 ml. Exposure to an isotonic L-glucose concentration of 500 mg/100 ml for 1 h had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on responses to ACh. Pretreatment with superoxide dismutase, catalase, indomethacin, or meclofenamic acid preserved EDRF-mediated vasodilation during exposure to a D-glucose concentration of 500 mg/100 ml at almost all the ACh dosages tested. These results indicate that oxygen radicals formed in part by increased eicosanoid synthesis during exposure to D-glucose hyperglycemia interfere with the EDRF mechanism before its action on the microvascular smooth muscle.
Increasing oxygen tension dilates fetal pulmonary circulation via endothelium-derived relaxing factor
Authors: Tiktinsky M. H. , Morin F. C.
Published: December 2017

We examined the role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in the increase in pulmonary blood flow caused by increasing oxygen tension in the lungs of the fetus. Fetal lambs at 133 days of gestation were instrumented for intrauterine measurement of pulmonary arterial, left atrial, and amniotic fluid pressure and pulmonary blood flow. Three days later oxygen tension in the pulmonary arterial blood of the fetus was doubled by having the ewe breathe 100% oxygen at 3 atm absolute pressure. In the control fetuses (n = 5), hyperbaric oxygenation increased pulmonary blood flow eightfold. Blocking EDRF production by infusing 45 mg of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine into the superior vena cava of the fetus over 5 min starting 30 min after the beginning of hyperbaric oxygen reversed the increase in pulmonary blood flow (n = 5). Blocking EDRF production by infusing NG-nitro-L-arginine at 1 mg/min for 60 min starting 30 min before hyperbaric oxygen blunted the initial increase in pulmonary blood flow and eliminated it by the end of the experiment (n = 5). As hyperbaric oxygen did not significantly alter pulmonary arterial or left atrial pressure, changes in pulmonary vascular conductance paralleled those in pulmonary blood flow. We conclude that the majority of the vasodilation of the fetal pulmonary circulation caused by increasing oxygen tension is mediated by EDRF. We speculate that EDRF is involved in maintaining low vascular tone at the relatively high oxygen tension of the postnatal lung.
Myocardial capillary diffusion capacity in rat hearts with cardiac hypertrophy due to pressure and volume overload
Authors: Wahlander H. , Haraldsson B. , Friberg P.
Published: December 2017

The functional adaptation of the myocardial capillary bed in response to cardiac hypertrophy was studied in one volume overload (aortocaval fistula, ACF) and in one pressure overload model [left renal arterial stenosis, two-kidney, one-clip (2K,1C)]. Furthermore, a group where renal hypertension was reversed 1 wk before experimentation (UC-2K,1C) and a sham-operated (Sham) group were studied. Functional estimations of myocardial capillary diffusion capacity in terms of permeability surface area products (PS) per 100 g of myocardium were obtained by the single-injection indicator dilution technique in a Langendorff preparation. After 4 wk, ACF hearts, with 72% hypertrophy and normal minimal coronary vascular resistance (CVR), displayed an unchanged diffusion capacity, i.e., PS for Cr-EDTA and vitamin B12. This indicates a structural out-growth of the coronary vascular bed to match the increased demand of the tissue. 2K,1C hearts with marked elevations of minimal coronary vascular resistance and left ventricular hypertrophy (65%) showed higher PS values than Sham, implying that diffusion capacity was enhanced despite structural coronary vascular changes. These changes were completely reversed in UC-2K,1C. Thus the present data imply that myocardial capillary diffusion capacity was well maintained in volume overloaded cardiac hypertrophy and in contrast with earlier morphometric estimations, even enhanced in pressure overload hypertrophy.
Spatial features of calcium transients during early and delayed afterdepolarizations
Authors: Miura M. , Ishide N. , Oda H. , Sakurai M. , Shinozaki T. , Takishima T.
Published: December 2017

Although changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are spatially heterogeneous during spontaneous contraction in mammalian cardiac muscle, it has not yet been observed how [Ca2+]i changes spatially within cardiac myocytes during delayed (DADs) and early (EADs) afterdepolarizations. The aim of this study is to characterize the spatial features of the increase in [Ca2+]i during such afterdepolarizations and to understand the ionic mechanisms responsible for them. Myocytes were enzymatically isolated from guinea pig ventricles and loaded with fura 2-acetoxymethylester, the Ca2+ fluorescence indicator dye. Membrane potential was recorded with a conventional microelectrode technique, and spatiotemporal changes in fura 2 fluorescence and cell length were recorded using a digital television system. After superfusion with potassium-free Tyrode solution, DADs and EADs were induced. During DADs, fluorescence transients were heterogeneous within myocytes (n = 11). Furthermore, they often propagated within myocytes as if they were "waves." In contrast, during EADs, fluorescence transients showed no waves within myocytes but rather showed synchronous changes throughout the myocytes (n = 15). The results of this study suggest that the spatial features of the increase in [Ca2+]i differ between the DADs and EADs. We concluded from these differing features that the ionic mechanisms responsible for the two triggered activities are different.
Stimulated leukocyte adhesion in coronary microcirculation is reduced by a calcium antagonist
Authors: McDonagh P. F. , Rauzzino M. J.
Published: December 2017

The first step in the acute myocardial inflammatory response is leukocyte sequestration in the coronary microcirculation. To determine the location(s) of stimulated leukocyte deposition in the coronary microcirculation and the effects of the calcium antagonist, nisoldipine, on leukocyte adhesion, leukocytes were stimulated with the chemotactic peptide, N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) and blood cell adherence was evaluated using two methods. In vitro leukostasis was evaluated by measuring the extraction of white cells in nylon fiber columns. We found that diluted whole blood (DWB) demonstrated 30% granulocyte adherence. The chemotactic peptide FMLP (1 microM) significantly increased adherence to 69%. Pretreatment of the blood with nisoldipine (1 microM) immediately before FMLP significantly reduced the FMLP-induced adhesion to 47%. In the coronary microcirculation, FMLP caused a marked increase in leukocyte sequestration, primarily in coronary capillaries. The FMLP effect was somewhat transient because the washout of trapped white cells was similar in the vehicle and FMLP groups. Nisoldipine significantly reduced the FMLP-induced leukostasis in coronary capillaries (P < 0.05). The magnitude of the attenuation of leukostasis with nisoldipine was remarkably similar in both models, suggesting a direct effect of this agent on the blood rather than on the blood vessels. These findings offer another possible mechanism by which dihydropyridine calcium antagonists may be cardioprotective under pathophysiological conditions.
Adenosine inhibition of beta-adrenergic induced responses in aged hearts
Authors: Dobson J. G. , Fenton R. A.
Published: December 2017

Because adenosine has an antiadrenergic action in the heart, young (3-4 mo) and aged (18-20 mo) adult Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 rat hearts were perfused to determine whether interstitial adenosine plays a role in the reduced metabolic and mechanical responsiveness of the aged heart to beta-adrenergic stimulation. Interstitial adenosine was approximately twofold greater in aged hearts compared with young adult hearts, and 10(-8) M isoproterenol (ISO) further increased these levels. ISO increased myocardial adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate content, glycogen phosphorylase activity, and cardiac contractility by 83, 150, and 130%, respectively, in young hearts but only increased these variables by 45, 74, and 61%, respectively, in aged hearts. Sulfophenyl-theophylline prevented the reduced ISO-induced responsiveness of the above variables in aged hearts. Exogenously administered adenosine deaminase eliminated the reduced ISO-induced contractile responsiveness in aged hearts. The apparent activities of 5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase were not significantly different in ventricular samples from young and aged hearts. These results suggest that the elevated interstitial level of adenosine exerts a greater antiadrenergic effect in the aged heart, rendering it less responsive to beta-adrenergic stimulation. The increased interstitial level of adenosine in the aged heart does not appear to be due to a difference in the activities of either 5'-nucleotidase or adenosine deaminase.
Calcium entry, mobilization, and extrusion in postcapillary venular endothelium exposed to bradykinin
Authors: Ziche M. , Zawieja D. , Hester R. K. , Granger H.
Published: December 2017

The effect of bradykinin (BK) on cytosolic calcium in coronary venular endothelial cells (CVEC) was studied using the intracellular calcium indicator indo 1. At normal extracellular calcium levels, CVEC responded to BK at concentrations as low as 0.1 pM; maximum cytosolic calcium spikes occurred at 10 nM. In calcium-free medium, poststimulation cytosolic calcium concentration returned to levels below prestimulation values, implying that BK modulates calcium extrusion mechanisms that are normally masked by calcium influx into the cell. To test this hypothesis, we depleted internal stores of calcium using two approaches: preconditioning or blockade of the endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump with the sesquiterpene lactone, thapsigargin. Depletion by preconditioning consisted of two prior doses of BK followed by a third stimulus of the agonist. Under these conditions, the final dose of BK caused a fall, rather than rise, in cytosolic calcium. Thapsigargin blocked the endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump, leading to a steady-state rise in intracellular calcium concentration. Subsequent exposure of these cells to BK also led to a fall in cytosolic calcium. The preconditioning and thapsigargin studies are consistent with a modulation of calcium extrusion processes by BK in CVEC. The signals responsible for this modulation are unknown.
Regional differences in mechanism of action of oxygen on hamster arterioles
Authors: Jackson W. F.
Published: December 2017

Leukotrienes have been implicated in the arteriolar constriction induced by elevated PO2 in the hamster cheek pouch. The role of leukotrienes in arteriolar O2 reactivity in other tissues has not been studied. To test the hypothesis that leukotrienes mediate O2 reactivity in all tissues, the effects of a leukotriene receptor antagonist, SKF-102922 (10 microM), a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, SC-43251 (30 microM), and a 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein antagonist, MK-886 (10 microM), on arteriolar O2 reactivity in hamster cheek pouch were compared with their effects on cremasteric arteriolar O2 reactivity. All three agents significantly decreased O2-induced arteriolar constriction in the cheek pouch, as reported previously. However, none of the antagonists inhibited O2-induced constriction of cremasteric arterioles. The efficacy of the leukotriene receptor antagonist, SKF-102922, was verified in the cremaster muscle: 10 microM SKF-102922 completely abolished constriction induced by topical application of leukotriene D4. These data support the hypothesis that leukotrienes mediate O2 reactivity in the cheek pouch. However, leukotrienes do not appear to mediate O2 reactivity in the cremaster muscle. These data suggest that there are significant regional differences in the mechanism of action of O2 on arterioles.
Localization of central pressor action of bradykinin in medulla oblongata
Authors: Fior D. R. , Martins D. T. , Lindsey C. J.
Published: December 2017

The intracerebroventricular injection of bradykinin produces an increase in arterial blood pressure. The site of action for this effect has been reported to be in the lateral septal area, in the hypothalamus, or in the ventral portion of the third ventricle. Bradykinin injected into the fourth cerebral ventricle of unanesthetized rats produced a pressor effect with a shorter latency and a larger maximal effect than when injected in the third or lateral ventricles. Bradykinin in the fourth ventricle was also 10 times more potent than in the third ventricle and 100 times more potent than in the lateral ventricle. No changes in blood pressure were observed when bradykinin was injected into the cerebellum or in the subarachnoid space of the ventral surface of the brain or of the medulla. Microinjections in the medulla oblongata showed that the pressor responses were obtained when bradykinin was injected in the nucleus tractus solitarius or in the dorsal spinal trigeminal tract. No effect was observed after injections were given into the ventral, ventral lateral medulla, or other medullary regions. The data suggest that bradykinin may play a regulatory role in the central control of blood pressure by stimulating sites that are near the dorsal and dorsal lateral surfaces of the medulla and accessible to kinins in cerebrospinal fluid and in the cerebral arterial circulation.
Adenosine and insulin mediate glucose uptake in normoxic rat hearts by different mechanisms
Authors: Angello D. A. , Berne R. M. , Coddington N. M.
Published: December 2017

The effect of adenosine (ADO) and its interaction with insulin (I) on myocardial glucose uptake was evaluated in the normoxic isolated rat heart using 2-[3H]deoxyglucose. Isovolumic hearts were perfused at constant flow with a nonrecirculating bicarbonate buffer containing 5.5 mM glucose as the sole substrate. After a 30-min equilibration period, the glucose and extracellular ([14C]sucrose) tracers were infused for 15 min before initiation of the 15-min experimental period. Both 100 microM ADO and 4 mU/ml I significantly increased glucose uptake (GU) compared with control values (in mumol.min-1 x g-1: ADO = 0.34 +/- 0.03, I = 0.44 +/- 0.03, control = 0.23 +/- 0.02; P < 0.05). In combination, ADO and I produced an additive increase in GU (0.54 +/- 0.03; P < 0.05 vs. control). The mechanism of enhanced GU by ADO and I was investigated with the glucose uptake inhibitors phloridzin (PZ) and phloretin (PT), each of which has a unique site of action on the cell membrane. ADO-mediated GU was completely blocked by 3 mM PZ (ADO + PZ = 0.20 +/- 0.01; P = NS vs. control), but I-stimulated GU was unaffected (I + PZ = 0.38 +/- 0.03; P = NS vs. I). Only GU attributable to ADO was blocked by PZ infused with ADO and I (ADO + I + PZ = 0.43 +/- 0.03; P = NS vs. I). Both ADO- and I-mediated GU were inhibited by 100 microM PT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Norepinephrine levels in paraventricular nucleus of spontaneously hypertensive rats: role of neuropeptide Y
Authors: Woo N. D. , Mukherjee K. , Ganguly P. K.
Published: December 2017

Recent evidence supports the view that the sympathetic system actively participates in the development of hypertension. Because norepinephrine, contained within central neurons involved in cardiovascular sympathetic regulation, is known to coexist with neuropeptide Y, it is possible that a functional interaction between neuropeptide Y and norepinephrine exists within the brain. In an effort to clarify whether or not central catecholamine systems are modulated by neuropeptide Y in hypertensive situations, the paraventricular nucleus of spontaneously hypertensive rats was exposed to neuropeptide Y (10(-9) M), and levels of norepinephrine were sampled by microdialysis. Norepinephrine levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats were significantly increased and did not change after exposure to neuropeptide Y, in sharp contrast to the decreases seen in Wistar-Kyoto controls. To ascertain whether these alterations in norepinephrine control were specific to the model used, a similar series of experiments was carried out in the paraventricular nucleus of aortic-banded rats. These studies supported the previous findings. Norepinephrine levels in aortic-banded rats were markedly elevated when compared with sham-operated controls and demonstrated no change after exposure to neuropeptide Y, whereas decreases of > 50% were seen in sham-operated controls. These results support the view that mechanisms normally involving neuropeptide Y as a neuromodulator in the paraventricular nucleus are altered in hypertensive situations. It is suggested that hypertension may precipitate changes in mechanisms involving brain neuropeptide Y and increased sympathetic activity.
Impact of ejection on magnitude and time course of ventricular pressure-generating capacity
Authors: Burkhoff D. , De Tombe P. P. , Hunter W. C.
Published: December 2017

This study focuses on elucidating how ventricular afterloading conditions affect the time course of change of left ventricular pressure (LVP) throughout the cardiac cycle, with particular emphasis on revealing specific limitations in the time-varying elastance model of ventricular dynamics. Studies were performed in eight isolated canine hearts ejecting into a simulated windkessel afterload. LVP waves measured (LVPm) during ejection were compared with those predicted (LVPpred) according to the elastance theory. LVPm exceeded LVPpred from a time point shortly after the onset of ejection to the end of the beat. The instantaneous difference between LVPm and LVPpred increased steadily as ejection proceeded and reached between 45 and 65 mmHg near end ejection. This was in large part due to an average 35-ms prolongation of the time to end systole (tes) in ejecting compared with isovolumic beats. The time constant of relaxation was decreased on ejecting beats so that, despite the marked prolongation of tes, the overall duration of ejecting contractions was not greater than that of isovolumic beats. The results demonstrate a marked ejection-mediated enhancement and prolongation of ventricular pressure-generating capacity during the ejection phase of the cardiac cycle with concomitant acceleration of relaxation. None of these factors are accounted for by the time-varying elastance theory.
Arterial pressure-flow relationships in hypertensive dogs: effect of carotid sinus baroreflex
Authors: Brunner M. J. , Bishop G. G. , Shigemi K. , Freeman J. P. , Chung D.
Published: December 2017

The effect of the carotid sinus baroreflex reflex on arterial pressure-flow relationships was studied in Goldblatt hypertensive and normotensive dogs on cardiopulmonary bypass. Dogs were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium, vagotomized, and the carotid sinuses were isolated at controlled carotid sinus pressures (CSP). The mean arterial pressure-flow relationships were measured at different levels of CSP. The arterial pressure-flow relationship was found to be linear except at extreme levels of flow. The slopes derived from the linear regression of the pressure-flow relationships [total peripheral resistance (TPR)] were 1.466 +/- 0.111 and 0.786 +/- 0.13 mmHg.ml-1 x min.kg at CSP of 50 and 200 mmHg in the normotensive group and 1.758 +/- 0.183 and 0.937 +/- 0.114 mmHg.ml-1 x min.kg at CSP of 50 and 250 mmHg in the hypertensive group. The increases in slope measured when CSP was decreased from saturation to threshold were 0.68 mmHg.ml-1 x min.kg (187% increase) in the normotensive group and 0.82 mmHg.ml-1 x min.kg (188% increase) in the hypertensive group. Zero-flow arterial pressures at CSP of 50, 125, and 200 mmHg were found to be 23.1 +/- 2.9, 21.7 +/- 2.2, and 17.1 +/- 1.8 mmHg in the normotensive group and 28.4 +/- 2.2, 23.8 +/- 1.5, and 20.0 +/- 1.2 mmHg in the hypertensive group. A nonlinear model fit was found to give a significantly better fit [coefficient of determination (r2) = 0.932 linear, 0.956 nonlinear] of the arterial pressure-flow relationships. We conclude that, in experimental hypertension, carotid baroreflex control of TPR is shifted to a higher operating point without any reduction in overall reflex gain.
Circulatory and metabolic effects of beta-adrenergic blockade in the hyperinsulinemic ovine fetus
Authors: Stonestreet B. S. , Le E. , Berard D. J.
Published: December 2017

Offspring of women with poorly controlled diabetes exhibit hypoxemia, elevated catecholamine concentration at birth, and an increased incidence of fetal death. Experimental fetal hyperinsulinemia results in increased catecholamine concentration and hemodynamic changes including increased combined ventricular output and vasodilation of select fetal organs. We hypothesized that insulin-induced catecholamine-mediated beta-adrenergic stimulation supports some of these hemodynamic changes in the hyperinsulinemic ovine fetus. To study this, 24 chronically instrumented fetal sheep receiving insulin for 24 h were exposed to beta-(propranolol),beta 1-(metoprolol), and beta 2-(ICI 118,551) adrenergic blockade. Insulin infusion resulted in hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemia, a surge in epinephrine and norepinephrine concentration, and increases in the combined ventricular output and regional blood flow to the heart, adrenal glands, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, liver, fat, muscle, carcass, and placenta. In the hyperinsulinemic state, beta-adrenergic blockade was associated with significant reductions in the combined ventricular output and blood flow to fat, carcass, lungs, and the placenta; beta 1-blockade was associated with reductions in the combined ventricular output and blood flow to the lungs; and beta 2-adrenergic blockade was associated with reductions in blood flow to muscle and lungs. Because beta-adrenergic blockade was associated with reductions in placental blood flow during hyperinsulinemia, oxygen and glucose metabolism were also compromised. We conclude that in the hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic normoxemic ovine fetus, insulin-induced catecholamine-mediated hemodynamic changes are modulated in part by beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation.
Role of adrenergic tone in mechanical and functional properties of carotid artery during aging
Authors: Benetos A. , Huguet F. , Albaladejo P. , Brisac A. M. , Pappo M. , Safar M. E. , Levy B. I.
Published: December 2017

The present study was designed to assess the role of the adrenergic tone in the regulation of carotid arterial compliance during aging. An experimental model of in situ isolated carotid arteries has been used to evaluate the elastic properties of the arterial wall in young (3-mo-old) and older (18-mo-old) Wistar rats. Binding experiments were performed in the same strain of rats to evaluate alpha 1- and beta-adrenoceptor affinity and density. In a third set of experiments, structural parameter of the carotid artery in younger and older rats was evaluated. Arterial distensibility (compliance per unit of volume) was significantly lower in older rats. This was associated with a significant thickness of the media (45.6 +/- 2.8 vs. 57.5 +/- 5.7 microns, P < 0.01) and increased collagen content in older rats (4,420 +/- 310 vs. 7,320 +/- 850 microns 2/mm, P < 0.001). However, carotid arterial compliance was not altered in older rats because of the significant increase in cross-sectional area with aging. Aging did not affect alpha 1-adrenoceptor affinity and density, whereas it decreased beta-density without changing their affinity. Pharmacological stimulation of alpha 1-adrenoceptor with phenylephrine (10(-5) M) decreased compliance in older but not in younger animals. Blockade of these receptors with prazosin or labetalol increased compliance in younger and had no effect on older rats. beta-receptor stimulation with isoproterenol or blockade with propranolol had no effect in any of the studied groups. We suggest that with aging there is an increased vasoconstricting effect of alpha-agonists and a decreased vasodilatative action of alpha-blockade.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)