bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyruvate carboxylation prevents the decline in contractile function of rat hearts oxidizing acetoacetate
Authors: Russell R. R. , Taegtmeyer H.
Published: December 2017

Acetoacetate, when present as the only fuel for respiration in rat hearts, causes an impairment in contractile function that is reversible with the addition of substrates that can contribute to anaplerosis. To determine the importance of pyruvate carboxylation via NADP(+)-dependent malic enzyme on metabolism and function in hearts oxidizing acetoacetate, isolated working rat hearts were perfused with [1-14C]pyruvate and acetoacetate. While the cardiac power output after 60 min of perfusion in hearts utilizing acetoacetate alone had fallen to 44% of the initial value, the addition of pyruvate resulted in a stable performance with no fall in the work output. When hydroxymalonate, an inhibitor of NADP(+)-dependent malic enzyme and malate dehydrogenase, was added to the two substrates, function at 60 min was similar to the value for hearts oxidizing acetoacetate alone. Measurements of the specific activities of malate, aspartate, and citrate confirm inhibition of both pyruvate carboxylation and malate oxidation. The findings are consistent with a mechanism in which the enrichment of malate by pyruvate improves function by increasing the production of reducing equivalents by the malate dehydrogenase and the isocitrate dehydrogenase reactions increase flux through the span of the tricarboxylic acid cycle from malate to 2-oxoglutarate. The present study demonstrates the physiological importance of anaplerotic pathways in maintaining contractile function in the heart.
Effect of an arginine analogue on acetylcholine-induced coronary microvascular dilatation in dogs
Authors: Komaru T. , Lamping K. G. , Eastham C. L. , Harrison D. G. , Marcus M. L. , Dellsperger K. C.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the contribution of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) derived from arginine to acetylcholine (ACh)-induced coronary arteriolar vasodilatation in vivo. Experiments were performed in 62 open-chest anesthetized dogs. Internal diameters of small arterioles (less than 120 microns) and large arterioles (greater than 120 microns) were measured using an intravital microscope and stroboscopic epiillumination synchronized to the cardiac cycle. Topically administered NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 3 x 10(-4) M) constricted small arterioles (-10.7 +/- 3.1% from control diameter, P less than 0.05), but L-NMMA did not produce vasoconstriction in large arterioles. ACh, in the absence of L-NMMA, caused a dose-dependent vasodilatation in both small and large arterioles. In large arterioles, L-NMMA completely abolished the ACh-induced vasodilatation (10(-5) M topical ACh: from 13.3 +/- 3.0 to -2.0 +/- 1.5%, P less than 0.05; 10(-4) M ACh: from 20.9 +/- 3.9 to -3.0 +/- 1.9%, P less than 0.01). In small arterioles, L-NMMA only partially inhibited the vasodilatation (10(-5) M ACh: from 35.4 +/- 4.0 to 19.0 +/- 2.7%, P less than 0.05; 10(-4) M ACh: from 42.5 +/- 4.8 to 22.6 +/- 3.1%, P less than 0.05). L-Arginine (10(-3) M topically) reversed L-NMMA inhibition of ACh-induced vasodilatation. Persistent dilatation of small arterioles also occurred when NG-nitro-L-arginine rather than L-NMMA was administered.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pulse-chase study on lipoprotein lipase in perfused guinea pig heart
Authors: Liu G. Q. , Olivecrona T.
Published: December 2017

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in guinea pig hearts was labeled by perfusion for 15 min with [35S] methionine, followed by chase perfusion with unlabeled medium for less than or equal to 90 min. Suitable conditions for pulse and chase and for immunoprecipitation of LPL were worked out. Differences in labeling between individual hearts were found to be substantial. A technique to take serial biopsies (approximately 20 mg) from the heart ventricle was therefore worked out and validated. Regional differences of LPL labeling within the ventricle were small. There was no evidence for enhanced release of LPL caused by biopsy. When heparin was present throughout the chase, labeled LPL began to appear in the medium after 30 min. Thus LPL can move rapidly from synthesis in parenchymal cells to the endothelial surface and into the medium. After 90 min chase with heparin, approximately equal amounts of LPL (approximately 32%) had been released to the medium, remained in the heart, or had been degraded, respectively. In contrast, no detectable amount of labeled LPL appeared in the medium during 90 min chase without heparin, and a heparin flush at this time brought out only approximately 9% of the pulse-labeled LPL.
Leukocyte rolling: a prominent feature of venules in intact skin of anesthetized hairless mice
Authors: Mayrovitz H. N.
Published: December 2017

Leukocyte (white blood cell; WBC) rolling in postcapillary venules is a frequently reported phenomenon in the microvasculature of experimental preparations. In most reports where this phenomenon has been systematically studied the confounding effects of various procedures associated with tissue preparation have been present. Thus there is sparse information on the extent of WBC rolling under fairly normal conditions. Here observations and features of this phenomenon in venules in the intact skin microvasculature of the homozygous hairless mouse ear are described. One venule in each of 10 mice was observed and continuously video recorded for 90 min. The parameters determined (mean +/- SD) were diameter, 15.9 +/- 3.1 microns; red blood cell velocity, 359 +/- 227 micron/s; flux of rolling WBCs, 3.2 +/- 2.6/min; velocity of rolling WBCs, 9.6 +/- 1.1 micron/s; systemic WBC count (CWBC), 3,220 +/- 1,072/microliters; and total WBC flux, estimated as the product of CWBC and calculated venule blood flow, 8.5 +/- 3.0/min. Overall, 44.8 +/- 13.8% of the total WBC flux exhibited rolling with a velocity that was 3.6 +/- 2.9% of the red blood cell velocity. During the total 15-h combined observation time, no WBCs were seen to be adherent. These findings establish that in small venules of normal skin, WBC rolling is common, since on the average nearly one of two WBCs delivered to the venule exhibits rolling. Furthermore, because the translational rolling speed is very low, they contribute to the marginated pool, which, according to the present data, might be better termed the “rolling” pool.
Acute volume expansion enhances baroreceptor discharge in dogs
Authors: Wang W. , Weitzel M. A. , Chen J. S. , Zucker I. H.
Published: December 2017

By recording single-unit discharge from the carotid sinus nerve of normal dogs in the control and in the volume-expanded state, both with the sinus open to the circulation and with it isolated, the effects of acute volume expansion on baroreceptor discharge sensitivity were investigated. The carotid sinus was vascularly isolated except for the common carotid and external carotid arteries. Inflation of hydraulic occluders on these vessels completely isolated the sinus from the systemic circulation. Flow and diameter changes of the carotid sinus were measured. Plasma volume was expanded with isotonic, isoncotic dextran in normal saline until the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure reached a value of 20-25 mmHg. In the group with the sinus open to the circulation, volume expansion did not depress baroreceptor discharge sensitivity; in fact, it augmented baroreceptor activity (peak discharge = 39.2 +/- 1.6 vs. 49.9 +/- 3.3 spikes/s, P less than 0.05). There was no such effect in the group with the sinus isolated from the circulation during volume expansion. In the group with the sinus open to the circulation, volume expansion significantly increased flow through the common carotid artery and shifted the carotid sinus pressure-diameter curves upward without a change in compliance. These data suggest that acute volume expansion augments baroreceptor discharge, and this phenomenon may be mediated either by some circulating substance(s) or by an increase in flow through the carotid sinus during volume expansion.
Effects of ischemia and reperfusion on cardiac tolerance to oxidative stress
Authors: Ambrosio G. , Santoro G. , Tritto I. , Elia P. P. , Duilio C. , Basso A. , Scognamiglio A. , Chiariello M.
Published: December 2017

Oxidative stress may affect cardiac function and metabolism. Oxidants are normally inactivated by reacting with reduced glutathione (GSH), with resulting formation and release of oxidized glutathione (GSSG). However, ischemia might affect glutathione metabolism. This might render ischemic hearts less resistant against subsequent oxidant injury during reperfusion, and it might also affect the reliability of GSSG measurements as a means to investigate oxidative stress in reperfused hearts. We compared the metabolic and functional consequences of an oxidant load in control rabbit hearts and in hearts reperfused after 30 min of normothermic total ischemia. In controls, H2O2 infusion (H2O2; 5-30 microM) induced a dose-dependent stimulation of GSSG release and a progressive impairment of cardiac function. At these doses, H2O2 challenge of postischemic hearts resulted in biochemical and functional changes identical to those observed in controls. Release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and of GSH was negligible, similar in both groups. In additional experiments, infusion of H2O2 at a much higher dose (200 microM) elicited a further increase in GSSG release from both groups, although GSSG concentrations were lower in postischemic hearts. The functional effects of the 200 microM H2O2 infusion were similar in both groups, all hearts showing rapid and irreversible deterioration of function. Occurrence of irreversible cell injury was also manifested by a large release of LDH and GSH to a similar extent in both groups. These data demonstrate that cardiac tolerance toward oxidants is largely unaffected by a relatively brief episode of severe ischemia and indicate that GSSG release can be reliably used to investigate oxidative stress in reperfused hearts.
Cardiovascular and renal actions of C-type natriuretic peptide
Authors: Stingo A. J. , Clavell A. L. , Aarhus L. L. , Burnett J. C.
Published: December 2017

Studies were performed in two groups of anesthetized dogs (n = 5 per group) to determine the cardiovascular and renal actions of synthetic C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). Systemic infusion of CNP (group 1; 10 and 50 ng.kg-1.min-1 iv) resulted in marked cardiovascular hemodynamic effects characterized by a decrease in mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and atrial pressures in association with a decrease in sodium excretion. Bolus administration of CNP (group 2; 5 micrograms/kg iv) to minimize cardiovascular hemodynamic changes resulted in only a transient decrease in arterial pressure. Sodium excretion decreased despite a return of arterial pressure to baseline. These biological responses were associated with increases in plasma guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) in both groups but with no change in urinary cGMP. With both systemic infusion or bolus administration of CNP, significant increases in plasma aldosterone were observed in association with increases in distal nephron sodium reabsorption. This study demonstrates that CNP exhibits profound systemic hemodynamic actions and is indirectly, or perhaps directly, antinatriuretic.
Interaction between stretch and hormonally stimulated atrial natriuretic peptide secretion
Authors: Schiebinger R. J. , Greening K. M.
Published: December 2017

Atrial stretch and paracrine hormones stimulate atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion. The potential interplay between atrial stretch and paracrine hormones was examined. Isolated superfused rat left atria paced at 4 Hz were used for study. The effects of 0, 0.5, and 1.5 g settings of initial tension on the ANP secretory response to 1 microM norepinephrine and 10 nM endothelin were examined. The peak ANP secretory responses expressed as a percent of baseline for each of the tension settings were 109 +/- 8, 132 +/- 6, and 171 +/- 10% for norepinephrine and 285 +/- 15, 294 +/- 12, and 368 +/- 19 for endothelin, respectively. The effects of 0.5 microM norepinephrine, 1 nM endothelin, and 100 nM vasopressin on stretch-stimulated secretion were examined. Norepinephrine and endothelin increased ANP secretion 144 +/- 16 and 136 +/- 2% above baseline, respectively. Vasopressin did not increase ANP secretion. Norepinephrine and vasopressin did not significantly influence the ANP secretory response to stretch. In contrast, endothelin increased the response to stretch by 33% (P less than 0.035). We conclude 1) the greater the degree of atrial stretch, the greater is the response to norepinephrine and endothelin; 2) endothelin enhances the secretory response to stretch; and 3) norepinephrine and vasopressin do not affect stretch-stimulated release. These results predict a greater ANP secretory response to hormonal stimulation in vivo in volume-expanded states.
Skeletal muscle blood flow abnormalities in rats with a chronic myocardial infarction: rest and exercise
Authors: Musch T. I. , Terrell J. A.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the regional distribution of blood flow deficit in the skeletal muscle vascular bed of rats with a chronic myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure (HF). Accordingly, blood flow was determined (via radioactive microspheres) in rats with a small infarction (MI less than 30%) and in rats with a large (MI greater than 30%) infarction, induced by surgically ligating the left main coronary artery, and compared with rats that had received a sham operation. Results demonstrate that blood flow to the hindlimb musculature was significantly (P less than 0.05) less during a given level of treadmill exercise (20% grade and speed of 28 m/min) in the MI groups of rats compared with their sham counterparts. These differences in hindlimb blood flow were the result of blood flow deficits found in the individual muscles of the thigh and leg. Moreover, the blood flow deficits were more pronounced in the MI greater than 30% group of rats compared with the MI less than 30% group. The blood flow deficits found for the MI greater than 30% group of rats were positively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch oxidative-glycolytic fibers and negatively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch glycolytic fibers found in the individual muscles. Our study supports the contention that MI rats demonstrate skeletal muscle blood flow abnormalities during exercise. It appears that the degree of blood flow abnormalities produced in rats is dependent on the size of the MI and the amount of left ventricular dysfunction produced in the HF state.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in cultured cardiomyocytes: effect on physiology and beta-adrenoceptor function
Authors: Courtois M. , Khatami S. , Fantini E. , Athias P. , Mielle P. , Grynberg A.
Published: December 2017

This study was carried out to investigate the influence of the membrane fatty acid composition on the basal electrical and contractile activities and the response to beta-adrenergic stimulation of rat cardiac muscle cells in culture. Cells were grown for 3 days in a conventional serum culture medium and then incubated for 24 h in synthetic media containing either n-6 or n-3 as the sole source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The n-6/n-3 ratio in the phospholipids was 0.9 in the n-3 cells and 13.1 in the n-6 cells compared with 6.3 in controls cells. Such modifications did not alter action potentials and the main parameters related to contraction, although shortening was slightly accelerated in the n-6 cells. On the other hand, the positive chronotropic effect induced by isoproterenol was more pronounced (P less than 0.01) in n-3 cells than in n-6 cells. In addition, isoproterenol caused a decrease in contraction duration and in shortening and relaxation time that was less pronounced in n-6 than in control cells (P less than 0.01, P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.05, respectively). These results suggest that the PUFA balance in the phospholipids may contribute to modulate the cardiac adrenergic receptor system but not the membrane properties related to electro-mechanical functions.
Heterogeneity of ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction in rats
Authors: Capasso J. M. , Li P. , Zhang X. , Anversa P.
Published: December 2017

To determine the effects of acute myocardial infarction on the extent and distribution of systolic and diastolic wall stress on the surviving myocardium, coronary artery occlusion was produced in rats, and the animals were killed 1 wk later. After hemodynamic measurements in vivo, the characteristics of cardiac anatomy at end diastole and peak systole were mimicked in vitro by fixing hearts under diastolic conditions or barium-induced contracture. In the presence of infarcts inducing a 48% loss of myocytes, left ventricular failure was documented by increases in left ventricular minimal and end-diastolic pressures and decreases in peak systolic pressure and positive and negative rates of pressure change with time. End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes increased, whereas stroke volume and cardiac output diminished. Ventricular remodeling in diastole consisted of an increase in the longitudinal axis while both longitudinal and transverse mid-chamber diameters were augmented after systolic contraction. Left ventricular chamber volume enlarged by 44% through a 20% augmentation in the longitudinal diameter and increases in the transverse luminal diameter of 13, 21, 32, and 37% in four consecutive sites from the equatorial region to the apex. As a consequence of infarction, systolic thickening of the spared myocardium of the free wall was reduced progressively from the base to the apex. In the interventricular septum of the infarcted heart, systole thickening occurred mostly in the equatorial region and was reduced at the basal and apical portions. The interaction of hemodynamic impairment with the architectural rearrangements of the wall and chamber provoked a 1.9-fold increase in overall stress on the spared myocardium. However, diastolic stress was augmented by 6.8-fold, markedly exceeding the 1.1-fold increase in systolic stress. Thus large infarcts of the rat left ventricle due to left main coronary occlusion lead to a change in shape of the heart from ellipsoidal to cylindrical. The elevation in overall stress may condition the unfavorable long-term outcome of the infarcted heart.
Role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in cAMP-mediated vasodilation
Authors: Haynes J. , Robinson J. , Saunders L. , Taylor A. E. , Strada S. J.
Published: December 2017

In this study, the role of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) in cAMP-dependent relaxation was assessed in the isolated-perfused rat lung using a PKA inhibitor, Rp-cAMPS, 8-bromo-cAMP (8-BrcAMP), and the diterpene activator of adenylate cyclase (AC), forskolin (FSK). A role for K+ channels was also assessed with the nonselective K+ channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM), and an ATP-sensitive K+ channel inhibitor, glibenclamide (GLI, 100 microM). Both 8-BrcAMP (0.1-1.0 mM) and RSK (0.1-10 microM) dose-dependently attenuated the peak pressor response to alveolar hypoxia (HPR). Rp-cAMPS potentiated the HPR and attenuated 8-BrcAMP-mediated vasodilation but had no effect on FSK-mediated vasodilation. FSK-mediated vasodilation was not mimicked by 1,9-dideoxy-FSK, which is biologically inactive on AC but alters K+ channels identically to FSK, nor was it attenuated by the platelet-activating factor antagonist SRI 63-441 or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. TEA, but not GLI, attenuated FSK-mediated vasodilation. Similarly, TEA attenuated 8-BrcAMP-mediated vasodilation. These results support roles for PKA and indirect gating of a non-ATP-sensitive K+ channel in mediating cAMP-dependent pulmonary vasodilation.
Microvascular oxygen transport: impact of a left-shifted dissociation curve
Authors: Stein J. C. , Ellsworth M. L.
Published: December 2017

The impact of an increased hemoglobin oxygen affinity (decreased P50) on oxygen transport was evaluated in capillaries of the retractor muscle under nonhypoxic (FIo2 = 0.30 and 0.21) and hypoxic (FIo2 = 0.10) conditions in hamsters with normal oxygen affinity [control; P50 = 26.1 +/- 1.0 (SD) mmHg, n = 12] and in hamsters with an increased oxygen affinity [treated; P50 = 16.2 +/- 1.6 (SD) mmHg, n = 7] induced by chronic short-term administration of sodium cyanate. Using in vivo video microscopy and computer-aided image analysis, we determined oxygen saturation (SO2) and associated hemodynamic parameters in both arteriolar (n = 30 control, 18 treated) and venular (n = 25 control, 17 treated) capillaries. In response to hypoxia, systemic arterial PO2 decreased to 29.6 +/- 6.0 (SD) mmHg in control animals and 24.7 +/- 3.8 (SD) mmHg in treated animals associated with abrupt decreases in systemic arterial blood pressure and increases in respiratory rate. The decrease in SO2 across the capillary network during nonhypoxic ventilation was 13.3% SO2 for control animals and 11.0% SO2 for treated animals. During hypoxic ventilation, the decrease in SO2 was 9.1% SO2 in control animals and 8.7% SO2 in treated animals. Hemodynamic parameters were not significantly different in the two groups during hypoxia. Estimated end-capillary PO2 was significantly lower in the treated animals. These data indicate that an increased oxygen affinity does not provide an obvious advantage for oxygen transport during hypoxia at the level of the capillary network in resting striated muscle; however, such an advantage might become apparent in the presence of an increased metabolic rate or a more severe hypoxic challenge.
Role of prostaglandin H2-thromboxane A2 in responses of cerebral arterioles during chronic hypertension
Authors: Mayhan W. G.
Published: December 2017

The goal of this study was to determine the role of prostaglandin H2-thromboxane A2 (PGH2-TxA2) in altered responses of cerebral arterioles during chronic hypertension. Diameter of pial arterioles was measured during suffusion with ADP, acetylcholine, and nitroglycerin using intravital microscopy in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) normotensive rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) (8-10 mo old). ADP (100 microM) increased pial arteriolar diameter by 21 +/- 3% (means +/- SE) in WKY and only by 7 +/- 3% in SHR. Acetylcholine (10 microM) increased diameter 10 +/- 2% in WKY and, in contrast, reduced diameter 7 +/- 3% in SHR. Nitroglycerin produced similar vasodilatation in WKY and SHR. We then examined whether impaired dilatation of cerebral arterioles in SHR to ADP and acetylcholine may be related to activation of the PGH2-TxA2 receptor. SQ 29548, a specific PGH2-TxA2 receptor antagonist, restored vasodilatation in response to ADP in SHR toward that observed in WKY and reversed vasoconstriction to vasodilatation in response to acetylcholine in SHR. SQ 29548 did not alter responses in WKY. Thus these findings suggest that impaired responses of cerebral arterioles to ADP and acetylcholine during chronic hypertension may be related to the activation of the PGH2-TxA2 receptor.
Nitric oxide modulates microvascular permeability
Authors: Kubes P. , Granger D. N.
Published: December 2017

We recently demonstrated that inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) production cause a dramatic increase in leukocyte adherence and emigration in postcapillary venules. The objective of this study was to assess whether inhibition of NO production leads to vascular protein leakage and increased microvascular permeability in feline small intestine and to determine whether adherent leukocytes contribute to these responses. Whereas NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) produced fivefold increases in microvascular fluid and protein fluxes, capillary pressure remained unchanged. In some experiments, venous pressure was elevated and the microvascular reflection coefficient for total proteins (sigma d) was estimated from lymph to plasma protein concentration ratio at high capillary filtration rates. L-NAME infusion increased 1 - sigma d (permeability index) from a control value of 0.21 +/- 0.02 to 0.41 +/- 0.07. All of the L-NAME-induced microvascular alterations were completely reversed by nitroprusside. Some animals were pretreated with a monoclonal antibody (MoAb IB4) directed against the leukocyte adhesion glycoprotein complex CD11/CD18. MoAb IB4 did not prevent the initial rise in vascular protein leakage but greatly attenuated the later (30-60 min) phase of enhanced vascular protein leakage. Local intra-arterial infusion of the NO synthesis inhibitor L-NAME (0.025 mumol.ml-1.min-1) produced a profound increase in leukocyte adhesion in postcapillary venules that was partly reversed by sodium nitroprusside administration (0.025 mumol.ml-1.min-1). These results suggest that inhibition of NO production by vascular endothelium leads to a reversible increase in microvascular protein efflux that is mediated by both leukocyte-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
Specific esponse to 5-HT2 agonists by arterioles linked to Meth A tumors in mice
Authors: Stucker O. , Vicaut E. , Teisseire B.
Published: December 2017

Using intravital microscopy, we compared the responses to serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] and to a specific 5-HT2 agonist [1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromo-phenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOB)] by normal arterioles and by the host-modified arterioles feeding a Meth A tumor implanted into the flank of female BALB/c mice. Topical and intravenous administration of 5-HT (10(-6) to 10(-4) M and 0.01-10 micrograms) or DOB (5 x 10(-7) to 5 x 10(-5) M and 0.01-10 micrograms) induced arteriolar constriction, which was far more pronounced for the arterioles feeding the tumor. This larger degree of vasoconstriction in tumor-feeding vs. normal arterioles was not found with norepinephrine. We also compared tumor growth and the mouse life span in three groups of mice, which were given 1 mg of serotonin or 0.74 mg DOB or saline solution. 5-HT or DOB both reduced tumor growth drastically compared with the controls (P less than 0.001), and survival rates were significantly higher in the 5-HT or DOB-treated groups (P less than 0.001). We conclude that 5-HT2-serotoninergic agonists are of particular pharmacological interest, since their vasoconstrictive action on the microvasculature feeding the tumors is much greater than in normal tissue and may interfere with tumor growth.
Characterization of a vasopressin-like peptide in rat and bovine blood vessels
Authors: Simon J. S. , Brody M. J. , Kasson B. G.
Published: December 2017

The present study examined the possibility that blood vessels of the rat and cow contain arginine vasopressin (AVP) and that the vascular stores of this potent vasoconstrictor are of local, rather than blood-borne, origin. Vessels from rat or cow were homogenized in acid, and the supernatants were assayed for AVP by radioimmunoassay. AVP immunoreactivity was detected in all vessels taken from the rat including aorta, mesenteric artery, renal artery, vena cava, and renal vein, as well as atria of the heart and also in cow aorta. Blood vessels from hypophysectomized and Brattleboro rats also contained AVP at levels similar to those of intact control rats. Further characterization of this immunoreactive material showed that, in both radioimmunoassay and radioreceptor assay, vascular extracts produced competition curves, which were parallel to those of synthetic AVP. Additionally, immunoreactive AVP in aortic extracts comigrated with synthetic AVP and pituitary extract on both high-pressure liquid chromatography and Sephadex G-25 chromatography. Furthermore, intravenous administration of the aortic extract produced pressor responses in conscious rats, and these responses were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with a specific AVP V1-receptor antagonist. These data demonstrate that blood vessels contain an AVP-like peptide that appears indistinguishable from authentic AVP and further suggest that this vascular peptide is of local origin.
Mechanism underlying mannitol-induced relaxation in isolated monkey cerebral arteries
Authors: Toda N. , Ayajiki K. , Toda H. , Hatano Y. , Okamura T.
Published: December 2017

The addition of mannitol (25, 50, and 100 mM) increased osmotic pressures of the bathing media from 293 to 317, 340 and 383 mosmol, respectively, and elicited a dose-related relaxation in monkey cerebral artery strips precontracted with K+ or prostaglandin F2 alpha. This relaxation was attenuated by ouabain, amiloride, catalase and oxyhemoglobin but was not influenced by superoxide dismutase and indomethacin. Combined treatment of the strips exposed to ouabain and amiloride with catalase produced an additional inhibition. H2O2 produced a contraction, which was abolished by catalase. Replacement of entire NaCl with choline chloride markedly suppressed the mannitol-induced relaxation. Relaxations caused by the addition of hypertonic NaHCO3 (25 and 50 mM) were also attenuated by ouabain and amiloride but were unaffected by catalase and oxyhemoglobin. It may be concluded that the mannitol-induced cerebroarterial relaxation is associated with an activation of the electrogenic Na+ pump and the Na(+)-H+ exchange and probably with scavenging of hydroxyl radicals responsible for the arterial contraction. On the other hand, hypertonic NaHCO3 relaxes monkey cerebral arteries, possibly due to an activation of the Na+ pump and the Na(+)-H+ exchange.
Cytokine secretion by human aortic endothelial cells is related to degree of atherosclerosis
Authors: Farber H. W. , Antonov A. S. , Romanov Y. A. , Smirnov V. N. , Scarfo L. M. , Beer D. J.
Published: December 2017

We have previously described a 13- to 15-kDa T-lymphocyte-specific chemotactic protein (endothelial cell-derived lymphocyte chemoattractant activity, ED-LCA) secreted by serotonin-stimulated bovine aortic endothelial cells. In the current study, we have identified a similar serotonin-induced chemotaxin secreted by human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). Like the bovine ED-LCA, secretion of this human T-cell chemotaxin peaked at 10(-5) M serotonin, was blocked by 5-HT2-receptor antagonists, and was not induced by other vasoactive amines, such as histamine or angiotensin II. In addition, human ED-LCA had no effect on neutrophil or monocyte migration. Using HAEC and human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAEC) from the same individual, we found that serotonin-stimulated HAEC, but not HPAEC, secreted ED-LCA. Because human vascular endothelium affected by atherosclerosis is morphologically, ultrastructurally, and phenotypically distinct from unaffected areas, we evaluated the secretion of this cytokine from cultured HAEC derived from areas of aorta differentially affected by atherosclerosis. We found that the degree of atherosclerotic involvement of an individual vessel was associated with a decrease in the uptake of serotonin and a reduction in serotonin-induced ED-LCA secretion. In response to serotonin, HAEC derived from atherosclerotic plaques did not secrete ED-LCA, whereas HAEC derived from fatty streaks secreted lesser amounts of ED-LCA than HAEC derived from normal areas. These studies demonstrate that in vivo morphological heterogeneity of HAEC is maintained in vitro and is associated with alterations in function, as measured by cytokine secretion.
A model of countercurrent shunting of oxygen in the intestinal villus
Authors: Shepherd A. P. , Kiel J. W.
Published: December 2017

This report describes a mathematical model of the countercurrent shunting (CCS) of O2 in the intestinal villus. The anatomic basis for the model is the close proximity of the arteriole and venule between which O2 is free to diffuse. The model divides the villus into four segments from base to tip. Steady-state equations describe the convective and diffusive fluxes of O2 in the arteriolar, capillary, and tissue compartments within each segment. Longitudinal diffusion along the length of the villus is assumed to be negligible. Simulations with the model led to the following observations: 1) CCS shifted the VO2 vs. blood flow curve down and to the right, slightly impairing VO2 at a given blood flow; 2) the base-to-tip PO2 gradient caused by the tissue O2 consumption was reduced by CCS; 3) when blood flow was reduced, the base-to-tip PO2 gradient increased until the tip PO2 fell to zero and then fell with further flow reductions; 4) lowering blood flow initially caused slight increases in shunting but further decreases in flow reduced shunting; 5) in the blood flow range in which VO2 was flow independent, increasing the O2 demand or decreasing the intervascular distance increased shunting because of the greater arteriole-to-capillary O2 concentration gradient and the decreased diffusion distance, respectively; and 6) lowering the hemoglobin's P50 to simulate fetal blood caused slight reductions in shunting and reduced VO2 at a given flow. In summary, the model confirms the potentially deleterious effects of CCS on intestinal oxygenation, and, in contrast to assertions in the literature, it shows that a base-to-tip PO2 gradient is not prima facie evidence of counter-current shunting.
Cardiac atrial natriuretic factor during evolution of congestive heart failure
Authors: Perrella M. A. , Schwab T. R. , O'Murchu B. , Redfield M. M. , Wei C. M. , Edwards B. S. , Burnett J. C.
Published: December 2017

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a pathophysiological condition associated with increased plasma levels of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), a peptide hormone of cardiac origin that participates in the homeostatic control of intravascular volume and vascular tone. Atrial myocytes serve as the principal source of ANF under physiological conditions, although recent studies have demonstrated that ventricular myocardium may also synthesize ANF in models of CHF associated with ventricular hypertrophy. The current study was designed to investigate the roles of atrial and ventricular myocardium to synthesize, store, and release ANF during the evolution of tachycardia-induced CHF in the dog. The present study demonstrates a persistent elevation of plasma ANF during the evolution of CHF. In acute CHF (3 h), plasma ANF increased independent of cardiac ANF synthesis. In chronic CHF (15 and 30 days), plasma ANF is maintained by an increase in atrial synthesis and release of the peptide, without recruitment of ventricular ANF synthesis. The present study demonstrates that in acute CHF the increase in plasma ANF is regulated by release of stored peptide, and in chronic CHF the persistent elevation of plasma ANF is maintained by an increase in atrial synthesis of ANF.
Regulation of arteriolar tone and responses via L-arginine pathway in skeletal muscle
Authors: Kaley G. , Koller A. , Rodenburg J. M. , Messina E. J. , Wolin M. S.
Published: December 2017

With in vivo television microscopy, changes in arteriolar diameter to topical administration of various vasoactive agents were examined in the absence or in the presence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, topical 100 microM) or NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 2.5 microM, 20 microliters/min ia), specific inhibitors of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) biosynthesis. In cremaster muscle arterioles (15-22 microns) of rats (n = 6-11), dilations to acetylcholine (1-100 ng) were significantly inhibited (60-70%) by either of the arginine analogues. This inhibition was reversed by subsequent administration of 1 mM L-arginine. Dose-dependent constriction to norepinephrine was enhanced by L-NMMA. Indomethacin treatment reduced arteriolar dilation to bradykinin (BK, 1-100 ng), which was significantly inhibited by additional administration of L-NNA. Application of L-NNA first, followed by additional indomethacin, elicited similar results. Dilations to sodium nitroprusside and adenosine were not reduced in the presence of the inhibitors. L-NMMA or L-NNA caused no change in systemic blood pressure but elicited a significant reduction in arteriolar diameter; this effect was not reversed by 1 mM L-arginine. These data demonstrate the presence of an L-arginine pathway to produce EDRF (nitric oxide) in skeletal muscle microcirculation that mediates and/or modulates arteriolar responses to vasoactive agents and could contribute to the regulation of basal vascular tone.
Importance of charge on transvascular albumin transport in skin and skeletal muscle
Authors: Gandhi R. R. , Bell D. R.
Published: December 2017

To test the hypothesis that charge affects the transvascular transport of albumin, the tracer clearance for albumin and a set of charge-modified albumins was measured in heel skin and gastrocnemius muscle from anesthetized rabbits. The charge on albumin was made less negative by modifying the carboxyl groups of aspartic and glutamic acids to alcohol groups. Four preparations of modified albumin having isoelectric points of 5.1 +/- 0.4, 5.8 +/- 0.4, 7.1 +/- 0.5, and 8.1 +/- 0.7 were studied. In skin, the clearances for the most neutral modified albumin and cationic albumin were 20 and 80% greater than that for native albumin, respectively. In skeletal muscle, the clearances for the most neutral modified albumin and cationic albumin were 50% and 1.5 times greater than that for native albumin, respectively. Calculation of the reflection coefficient for native albumin from the change in clearance with increased venous pressure resulted in estimates greater than 0.95 in both tissues. The change in clearance for the modified albumins during increased venous pressure was not different from that for native albumin. Charge appears to effect transvascular diffusion of proteins more than convective transport.
EDRF inhibition augments pulmonary hypertension in intact newborn lambs
Authors: Fineman J. R. , Chang R. , Soifer S. J.
Published: December 2017

There is increasing evidence that resting pulmonary vascular tone is mediated by the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRF). However, the importance of EDRF release during pulmonary hypertension is unknown. Therefore, in eight newborn lambs we studied the effects of both N omega-nitro-L-arginine (an inhibitor of EDRF synthesis) and L-arginine (a precursor of EDRF synthesis) during pulmonary hypertension induced either by the intravenous infusion of U-46619 (a thromboxane A2 mimic) or by hypoxia. After pretreatment with N omega-nitro-L-arginine, the increases in pulmonary arterial pressure produced by U-46619 (102.0 +/- 34.9% vs. 144.8 +/- 28.6%, P less than 0.05) and by hypoxia (35.6 +/- 17.3% vs. 91.4 +/- 24.8%, P less than 0.05) were significantly augmented. However, after pretreatment with L-arginine, the increases in pulmonary arterial pressure produced by U-46619 (107.0 +/- 21.4% vs. 62.6 +/- 22.6%, P less than 0.05) and hypoxia (44.3 +/- 18.3% vs. 9.2 +/- 11.7%, P less than 0.05) were significantly attenuated. These results suggest that during pulmonary hypertension, EDRF is released to limit the increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and that L-arginine availability becomes rate limiting for further EDRF synthesis and release.
Dietary Na, age, and baroreflex control of heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity in rats
Authors: Huang B. S. , Leenen F. H.
Published: December 2017

Heart rate (HR) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) responses to ramp changes in blood pressure (BP) by (de)pressor agents and to acute volume expansion were recorded in conscious young, mature, and old Wistar rats maintained for 4 wk on diets containing low, control, or high dietary Na. Both HR and RSNA responses to BP increases or decreases were attenuated on low-Na diet compared with control Na diet. On high-Na diet, HR responses to BP changes and RSNA responses to BP increases were also attenuated, but in contrast the excitatory response of RSNA to BP decreases was augmented. The inhibitory RSNA response, but not the HR response, to volume expansion was significantly attenuated in young rats on high-Na diet but not on low-Na diet. The effects of both low and high dietary Na on HR and RSNA responses were most marked in young rats, less in mature rats, and even less in old rats. These results indicate a discordance of high dietary Na-induced changes in HR vs. RSNA control by the arterial and cardiopulmonary baroreflex, which is suggestive of central mechanisms affected by dietary Na. The developing nervous system appears to be the most responsive to dietary Na.
Myocardial beta-adrenergic and mechanical properties in pacing-induced heart failure in dogs
Authors: Juneau C. , Calderone A. , Rouleau J. L.
Published: December 2017

Forty-eight dogs had pacing overdrive at 250 beats/min for 4-6 wk until heart failure developed. Myocardium from pacing dogs had a decrease in tension and maximum unloaded velocity of shortening (Vmax). Pacing dogs had an increase in circulating catecholamines during exercise but a lower maximal heart rate (214 +/- 19 vs. 241 +/- 26 beats/min, P less than 0.05). A blunted chronotropic response to isoproterenol was also found. However, despite a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor density (80 +/- 14 vs. 122 +/- 14 fmol/mg, P less than 0.001) and a decrease in beta-adrenergic signal transduction [isoproterenol-induced adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production 230 +/- 45 vs. 339 +/- 64 pmol.mg-1.min-1, P less than 0.001], Vmax normalized in response to isoproterenol in pacing dogs (2.3 +/- 0.6 vs. 2.2 +/- 0.5 Lmax/s, NS, where Lmax is length at which maximum developed tension occurs). Tension did not normalize (8 +/- 2 vs. 12 +/- 2 g/mm2, P less than 0.001). Thus in this model of heart failure, despite widespread evidence of decreased beta-adrenergic signal transduction, indexes of shortening but not force generation normalize in response to isoproterenol.
Blood velocity distributions within intact canine arterial bifurcations
Authors: Jones C. J. , Lever M. J. , Ogasawara Y. , Parker K. H. , Tsujioka K. , Hiramatsu O. , Mito K. , Caro C. G. , Kajiya F.
Published: December 2017

As local variations in blood flow are implicated in atherogenesis at bifurcations, we measured in vivo blood velocities in different planes within exposed iliofemoral arterial bifurcations in 8 dogs using 20-MHz, 80-channel Doppler ultrasound velocimetry. Cardiac frequency was fixed at 2 Hz by pacing. Local geometry was characterized using 25-MHz, B-mode ultrasound images, photographs, and methacrylate casts. The bifurcations were asymmetrical and planar to within 5 degrees, the diameter ratios of the daughter vessels ranged from 1.47 to 2.00, and the angles between them ranged from 40 to 76 degrees. Measured velocities indicated that just upstream of the bifurcation mean peak Reynolds numbers ranged from 196 to 564 and Womersley (frequency) parameters ranged from 2.00 to 4.1. At the level of the bifurcation, secondary flows were insignificant in the normal plane but strong in the plane of the bifurcation. As a result, two-dimensional velocity fields, reconstructed by vector addition of velocities measured in the plane of the bifurcation, differed markedly from the one-dimensional profiles calculated assuming flow parallel to the vessel axis. In the two-dimensional velocity fields, forward flow was directed toward the flow divider and reversal occurred earliest near the outer wall. Wide spatial and temporal variations in the shear stress at the endothelium are implied by these detailed, in vivo measurements of the bifurcation velocity fields.
Alterations in Na(+)-H+ exchange in mesenteric arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Foster C. D. , Honeyman T. W. , Scheid C. R.
Published: December 2017

Na(+)-H+ exchange was examined in segments of the superior mesenteric artery from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats using the pH-sensitive dye 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Basal pH values were identical in the two strains (SHR = 7.18 +/- 0.02, WKY = 7.15 +/- 0.01) and exposure to 20-50 mM NH4Cl produced comparable changes in pH in both strains (tissues acidified to pH 6.8). The recovery of intracellular pH (pH(i)) from acid loading in bicarbonate-free buffer was dependent on extracellular Na+, inhibited by dimethyl amiloride, and thus was presumably mediated by Na(+)-H+ exchange. Exchange activity was markedly increased in SHR (0.308 vs. 0.182 pH U/min), and the increased activity could not be explained by differences in intracellular buffer capacity or in the Na+ affinity of the transporter. The rate of Na(+)-H+ exchange was more steeply dependent on pH(i) in SHR vessels Hill coefficient = 6.6 in SHR vs. 4.1 in WKY), suggesting an alteration in the transport protein. Young SHR (4-6 wk) exhibited kinetic characteristics resembling those of 12- to 14-wk-old WKY rats. Exposure to the Ca2+ ionophore bromo-A23187 significantly increased the Hill coefficient of WKY arteries but had no effect on vessels from SHR. Exposure of vessels from either strain to the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA) had no effect on Na(+)-H+ exchange.
Effects of endothelin on resistance arteries of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats
Authors: Deng L. Y. , Schiffrin E. L.
Published: December 2017

The effect of endothelin (ET)-1 was investigated on resistance arteries of less than 300-microns lumen diameter from the mesenteric circulation, mounted on a wire myograph, in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats within 2 wk of developing hypertension and in uninephrectomized controls. Arteries from DOCA-salt hypertensive rats presented a significantly reduced external and lumen diameter and increased media width and wall cross-sectional area. Vessels from DOCA-salt hypertensive rats responded to ET-1 with lower active wall tension and media stress. Because the lumen diameter was significantly decreased in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, the active pressure developed in response to ET-1 was similar in both groups. In contrast, the maximal tension response to arginine vasopressin was enhanced in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. The sensitivity to both peptides and norepinephrine (NE) was similar in both groups. After removal of endothelium by exposure to the nonionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate, ET-1 elicited tension responses that were also lower in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, whereas NE responses were similar in both groups. These results demonstrate significant morphological and functional changes in small arteries of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats within 2 wk of developing hypertension and blunted reactivity to ET-1. Because similar results were found after removal of endothelium, it is likely that neither prior receptor occupation by endogenous ET nor acute effects of other endothelial cell products play a role in the reduced responsiveness to ET of vascular smooth muscle of small resistance arteries of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats.
Effects of hypertonic saline and dextran 70 resuscitation on microvascular permeability after burn
Authors: Dyess D. L. , Ardell J. L. , Townsley M. I. , Taylor A. E. , Ferrara J. J.
Published: December 2017

Administration of hyperosmolar fluids to burn patients has been proposed as a means of decreasing resuscitative fluid volume and, subsequently, wound edema accumulation. To test this hypothesis, canine hindpaw lymph flow (QL) and lymph (CL) and plasma (CP) total protein concentrations were measured, and capillary filtration coefficient (Kf) was calculated before and for 6 h after a 5-s 100 degrees C footpaw scald. Scald was followed 30 min later by bolus infusion (4 ml/kg) of 7% saline or 6% Dextran 70 or the two in combination. Before scald, venous pressure was elevated until a minimal CL/CP was reached. The reflection coefficient (sigma d) was calculated by the formula: 1-minimal CL/CP. Scald increased QL, CL/CP, and Kf, but sigma d was decreased (P less than 0.05). Compared with burn alone, 7% saline exacerbated burn-induced increases in QL and Kf. In contrast, infusion of Dextran 70 did not exacerbate these changes in QL or Kf. Perhaps more importantly, Dextran 70 may have attenuated the increase in CL/CP and reduced edema formation in the burned hindpaw. However, the addition of 7% saline to the dextran eliminated these beneficial effects.