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Myogenic and vasoconstrictor responsiveness of skeletal muscle arterioles is diminished by hindlimb unloading.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether hindlimb unloading of rats alters vasoconstrictor and myogenic responsiveness of skeletal muscle arterioles. After either 2 wk of hindlimb unloading (HU) or cage control (C), second-order arterioles were isolated from the white portion of gastrocnemius (WG; C: n = 9, HU: n = 10) or soleus (Sol; C: n = 9, HU: n = 10) muscles and cannulated with two micropipettes connected to reservoir systems for in vitro study. Intraluminal pressure was set at 60 cmH2O. The arterioles were exposed to step changes in intraluminal pressure ranging from 20 to 140 cmH2O to determine myogenic responsiveness and to KCl (10-100 mM) and norepinephrine (10(-9)-10(-4) M) to determine vasoconstrictor responsiveness. Although maximal diameter of WG arterioles was not different between C (185 +/- 12 microm) and HU (191 +/- 14 microm) rats, WG arterioles from HU rats developed less spontaneous tone (C: 33 +/- 5%, HU 20 +/-3%), were unable to maintain myogenic tone at pressures from 140 to 100 cmH2O, and were less sensitive to the vasoconstrictor effects of KCl and norepinephrine (as indicated by a higher agonist concentration that produced 50% of maximal vasoconstrictor response). In contrast, maximal diameter of Sol arterioles from HU rats (117 +/- 12 microm) was smaller than that in C rats (148 +/- 14 microm). However, the development of spontaneous tone (C: 30 +/- 4%, HU: 36 +/- 5%), myogenic activity, and the responsiveness to vasoconstrictor agonists were not different between Sol arterioles from C and HU rats. These results indicate that hindlimb unloading diminishes the myogenic autoregulatory and contractile responsiveness of arterioles from muscle composed of type IIB fibers and suggest that the compromised ability to elevate vascular resistance after exposure to microgravity may be related to these vascular alterations. In addition, hindlimb unloading appears to induce vascular remodeling of arterioles from muscle composed of type I fibers, as indicated by the decrease in maximal diameter of arterioles from Sol muscle.

Animals↗

Reflex control of cutaneous vasoconstrictor system is reset by exogenous female reproductive hormones.

To determine whether cardiovascular influences of exogenous female steroid hormones include effects on reflex thermoregulatory control of the adrenergic cutaneous vasoconstrictor system, we conducted ramp decreases in skin temperature (T(sk)) in eight women in both high- and low (placebo)-progesterone/estrogen phases of oral contraceptive use. With the use of water-perfused suits, T(sk) was held at 36 degrees C for 10 min (to minimize initial vasoconstrictor activity) and was then decreased in a ramp, approximately 0.2 degrees C/min for 12-15 min. Subjects rested supine for 30-40 min before each experiment, and the protocol was terminated before the onset of shivering. Skin blood flow was monitored by laser-Doppler flowmetry and arterial pressure by finger photoplethysmography. In all experiments, cutaneous vasoconstriction began immediately with the onset of cooling, and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) decreased progressively with decreasing T(sk). Regression analysis of the relationship of CVC to T(sk) showed no difference in slope between phases (low-hormone phase: 17.67 +/- 5.57; high-hormone phase: 17.40 +/- 8.00 %baseline/ degrees C; P > 0.05). Additional studies involving local blockade confirmed this response as being solely due to the adrenergic vasoconstrictor system. Waking oral temperature (T(or)) was significantly higher on high-hormone vs. low-hormone days (36.60 +/- 0.11 vs. 36.37 +/- 0.09 degrees C, respectively; P < 0.02). Integrative analysis of CVC in terms of simultaneous values for T(sk) and T(or) showed that the cutaneous vasoconstrictor response was shifted in the high-hormone phase such that a higher T(or) was maintained throughout cooling (P < 0.05). Thus reflex thermoregulatory control of the cutaneous vasoconstrictor system is shifted to higher internal temperatures by exogenous female reproductive hormones.

Adult↗

Effect of a topical vasoconstrictor on computed tomography of paranasal sinus disease.

Apparent ethmoid inflammation which resolved with alternation of the nasal cycle or following application of topical vasoconstrictors has been observed with magnetic resonance imaging. A similar phenomenon might occur to a lesser degree with computed tomography (CT), leading to overdiagnosis of limited sinus disease. The degree to which ostiomeatal complex disease is reversible by topical vasoconstrictors was investigated. Ten patients with histories of chronic or recurrent sinusitis underwent coronal CT studies of the paranasal sinuses before and after the application of a topical vasoconstrictor. Mucosal volume or thickness measurements were obtained from the turbinates, infundibulum, ethmoidal cells, and antrum. Vasoconstrictor application markedly reduced turbinate size and appeared to reduce mucosal thickening in the ethmoidal infundibulum. Minimal mucosal changes identified in the paranasal sinuses by computed tomography were not reversed by vasoconstrictors and therefore are likely to be pathologic.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Influence of local insults on sympathetic vasoconstrictor control in feline dental pulp.

The present investigation was undertaken to ascertain whether local insults can affect the sympathetic vasoconstrictor regulation of pulpal blood flow. The rate of disapperance (k-value) of iodide from dentinal cavities was measured in anaesthetized cats. Changes in k-value reflected changes in blood flow. It has previously been shown that stimulation of sympathetic vasoconstrictor nerve fibres generally causes a clearcut decrease in the k-value. Deep cavity preparation was found to inhibit the vasoconstrictor response in a few cases in experiments on mature cats. Heating or cooling the tooth during cavity preparation induced a more frequent inhibition, which proved to be reversible within a few hours. Compound 48/80 applied locally to the cavity was also found to induce inhibition of the vasoconstrictor effect, but in this case no sign of reversibility was observed. Chronic insults were produced by exposing the cavity to oral microorganisms during 1-4 weeks before the experimental procedure. In this case, the sympathetic vasoconstrictor response was not inhibited. A histological study was performed to examine the pulp tissue after cavity preparation and the application of insults. It was found that cavity preparation and acute insults caused little or no disturbance, while chronic insults resulted in severe damage to the pulpal tissue.

Administration, Topical↗

Comparison of vasoconstrictor responses to selected NSAIDs in rabbit renal and femoral arteries.

BACKGROUND: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to induce adverse renal effects, which are closely related to physiological inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. AIM: This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of drugs inhibiting both cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms COX-1 and COX-2 on vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline in the rabbit renal artery and to compare these responses with femoral artery as a systemic vessel. METHODS: Rabbit femoral and renal arteries were perfused with a constant flow. Vascular responses to drugs were measured and registered as changes in perfusion pressure. RESULTS: It was found that the vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline were significantly enhanced after administration of all NSAIDs in both the renal and femoral arteries. The effect of indomethacin on renal vasoconstrictor responses was more pronounced compared to ibuprofen or phenacetin. Comparison of NSAIDs effects on renal and femoral arteries did not show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate an increase of vasoconstrictor activity after NSAIDs administration without significant differences between the renal and femoral arteries. The strongest potentiation of the vasoconstrictor responses in the renal artery was found with indomethacin. (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 20.)

Animals↗

A novel serine protease with vasoconstrictor activity coded by the kallikrein gene S3.

A fraction separated from rat submandibular gland homogenates was found to contain a potent vasoconstrictor when tested on isolated rabbit aortic rings. The vasoconstrictor was purified by a series of chromatographic steps. The purified compound (2.77 x 10(-9) M) induced 40% of the maximum contractile response to 60 mM KCl. Constriction was slow in onset, long-lasting, rinse-resistant, and unchanged by de-endothelialization; in addition, it was dose-related and inhibited by both EGTA and verapamil, but it was not affected by DUP753, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. The compound was found to be a protein having a pI of 7.36 and a molecular weight of approximately 29,000 and exhibiting partial immunologic identity to rat glandular kallikrein and rat tonin. After 2-mercaptoethanol treatment, it separated into heavy (approximately 19,900) and light (approximately 10,700) chains having amino-terminal sequences of AY(X)HNNDLMLL and VVGGYN(X)ETNSQ, respectively. We found that they correspond to the amino-terminal and internal sequence of a previously unidentified kallikrein-like serine protease whose mRNA, named S3, has been found in the rat submandibular gland and prostate. The vasoconstrictor is able to hydrolyze t-butoxycarbonyl-valine-proline-arginine-methylcoumarin amide (a thrombin substrate), although its Kcat/Km was only 0.02% that of rat thrombin. Both vasoconstrictor and enzymatic activity on t-butoxycarbonyl-valine-proline-arginine-methylcoumarin amide were completely suppressed by amidinophenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and soybean trypsin inhibitor; however, they were unaffected by hirudin, a thrombin inhibitor. At pH 6.5, it released angiotensin II when incubated with sheep angiotensinogen, although it had approximately one-tenth the activity of tonin. The submandibular enzymatic vasoconstrictor is a kallikrein-like enzyme, having some properties of both tonin and thrombin. It directly contracts vascular smooth muscle, acting via a mechanism that requires intact enzymatic activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Study of tachyphylaxis to the vasoconstrictor effect of arachidonic acid in the isolated perfused kidney of the rat.

The isolated perfused kidney of the rat was used to address the development of tachyphylaxis to the vasoconstrictor effects of arachidonic acid. Repeated administration of arachidonic acid (3 micrograms at 10-min intervals) to the isolated kidney of the rat, perfused in situ with Krebs-Henseleit solution, led to the development of tachyphylaxis to the renal vasoconstrictor effects of arachidonic acid, using perfusion pressure changes as an index. Vasoconstrictor responses to either angiotensin or the endoperoxide analog, U46619, were unaffected by repeated administration of arachidonic acid. Associated with progressively reduced renal vasoconstrictor responses to arachidonic acid were parallel decrements in the renal venous release of prostanoids, measured by radioimmunoassay. In contrast, the release of prostanoids from the kidney stimulated by angiotensin II was increased after repeated administrations of arachidonic acid. These data suggest that the sequential reduction in renal vasoconstrictor responses to arachidonic acid is due to diminished conversion to prostaglandins, possibly due to inactivation of cyclooxygenase, decreased entry of arachidonic acid into the cell or its increased esterification into phospholipids.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Attenuation by arachidonic acid of the effect of vasoconstrictor stimuli in the canine kidney.

The effect of arachidonic acid on the renal vasoconstrictor response elicited by sympathetic nerve stimulation, norepinephrine and angiotensin II in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs, with and without pretreatment with the cyclooxygenase inhibitors, sodium meclofenamate or indomethacin was investigated. Stimulation of renal nerves at 2 to 8 Hz or injections into the renal artery of either norepinephrine or angiotensin II (0.06-0.5 micrograms) produced vasoconstriction and decreased blood flow to the kidney in frequency- and dose-related manners, respectively. In animals that were untreated with the cyclooxygenase inhibitors, renal arterial infusion of arachidonic acid at 15 micrograms kg-1 min-1 increased blood flow to the kidney and attenuated the vasoconstrictor effect of renal nerve stimulation, injected norepinephrine and angiotensin II. However, in dogs pretreated with either sodium meclofenamate or indomethacin (5 mg/kg), infusion of arachidonic acid failed to alter the renal blood flow and the vasoconstrictor response elicited by both adrenergic stimuli and by angiotensin II. In contrast, pretreatment of animals with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, sodium meclofenamate, did not prevent either prostaglandin E2 or prostacyclin (4 ng kg-1 min-1) from increasing renal blood flow and inhibiting the renal vasoconstrictor response produced by either adrenergic stimuli or by angiotensin II. These data suggest that arachidonic acid produces renal vasodilation and attenuates the vasoconstrictor effect of the adrenergic stimuli and angiotensin II through its transformation by cyclooxygenase into one or more produced, presumably prostaglandin E2 and/or prostacyclin.

Angiotensin II↗

Pressor and renal vasoconstrictor responses to acute systemic nitric oxide synthesis inhibition are independent of the sympathetic nervous system and angiotensin II.

Acute systemic, nonselective nitric oxide synthesis inhibition (NOSI) causes a marked pressor and renal vasoconstrictor response in the normal conscious chronically catheterized rat. The present studies directly address the question of how these vasoconstrictor responses are related to the combined vasoconstrictor activities of the sympathetic nervous system and angiotensin II. When the alpha adrenoceptors are blocked (with prazosin) the pressor and renal hemodynamic responses to NOSI are unaffected. Combined alpha adrenoceptor and angiotensin II receptor blockade at the same time as NOSI results in no net change in blood pressure while leaving the renal vasoconstrictor response intact. However, when the NOSI is delayed, a substantial and unblunted pressor response is seen. In contrast to the vasoconstrictor responses, the natriuretic and diuretic responses to acute NOSI are prevented by simultaneous alpha adrenoceptor blockade alone and combined with angiotensin II receptor blockade. These findings suggest that the hemodynamic actions of acute NOSI in the unstressed rat are independent of the sympathetic nervous system and angiotensin II. In contrast, the natriuretic/diuretic response to acute NOSI is apparently partly the result of some interaction with the sympathetic nervous system, not, as we had previously suggested, exclusively the result of a pressure natriuresis.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

Vasoconstrictor hormones depolarize renal glomerular mesangial cells by activating chloride channels.

Mesangial cells are smooth muscle-like cells of the renal glomerulus which contract and produce prostaglandins in response to vasopressin and angiotensin. These responses serve to regulate the glomerular capillary filtering surface area. We have used the membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent dye bis-oxonol and the intracellular fluorescent calcium-sensitive probe Indo-1 to study the changes in membrane potential (Em) and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured rat mesangial cells in response to vasoconstrictor hormones. Basal [Ca2+]i was 227 +/- 4 nM, and stimulation by maximal concentrations of either vasopressin or angiotensin resulted in a transient 4-6-fold rise. Resting membrane potential was 45.8 +/- 0.9 mV and vasoconstrictor hormones caused a depolarization of 14-18 mV. The following extracellular ion substitutions indicated that chloride efflux was the predominant ion flux responsible for depolarization: 1) depolarization persisted when sodium in the medium was substituted with N-methylglucamine; 2) substitution of medium sodium chloride with sodium gluconate, which enhances the gradient for chloride efflux, augmented vasoconstrictor-stimulated depolarization; 3) suspension of cells in potassium chloride medium resulted in depolarization, following which, stimulation by either vasopressin or angiotensin resulted in hyperpolarization; and 4) this hyperpolarization did not occur when potassium gluconate medium was used to depolarize the cells. The calcium ionophore ionomycin also resulted in membrane depolarization. However, prevention of the rise in [Ca2+]i by prior exposure to ionomycin in calcium-free medium or by loading mesangial cells with the intracellular calcium buffer BAPTA did not abrogate the depolarization response to vasoconstrictor hormones. This indicates that a rise in intracellular calcium is not necessary for depolarization. In contrast, prior depolarization of the cells using varying concentrations of KCl in the external medium, which dissipated the electrochemical gradient for chloride efflux, resulted in a corresponding prolongation of the transient calcium response to vasopressin and angiotensin. These findings indicate that angiotensin and vasopressin depolarize mesangial cells by activating chloride channels and that this activation can occur by both calcium-dependent and -independent mechanisms. In addition, activation of chloride channels with resulting depolarization may serve to modulate the calcium signal.

Angiotensin II↗

Influence of vascular tone on vasoconstrictor responses to the 5-HT 1-like receptor agonist sumatriptan in anaesthetised rabbits.

The cardiovascular profile of the 5-HT1-like receptor agonist sumatriptan has been studied in anaesthetised rabbits pretreated with chlorisondamine (0.5 mg kg-1 i.v.) and enalapril (0.3 mg kg-1 i.v.) to eliminate autonomic reflexes and minimise endogenous vasoconstrictor tone. Under these conditions sumatriptan (2-100 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) produced modest increases in carotid vascular resistance but had no significant influence on heart rate, blood pressure or mesenteric vascular resistance. In a similarly pretreated group of animals in which vasoconstrictor tone was elevated by infusion of angiotensin (100 ng kg-1 min-1 i.v.) sumatriptan caused moderate increases in blood pressure (55 +/- 5 to 65 +/- 5 mm Hg after 25 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) and mesenteric vascular resistance (1.4 +/- 0.2 to 1.6 +/- 0.2 mm Hg min ml-1 after 25 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) and tended to produce a greater carotid vasoconstriction (3.6 +/- 0.5 to 4.7 +/- 0.7 mm Hg min ml-1 after 25 micrograms kg-1). These effects were antagonised by methiothepin 0.3 mg kg-1 i.v. implying the involvement of 5-HT1-like receptor stimulation. Hence, the presence of angiotensin produces a modest amplification of the vasoconstrictor effects of sumatriptan and, in particular, unmasks a constriction of the mesenteric vascular bed. The degree of synergy observed between these two vasoconstrictors was, however, less marked than might have been expected on the basis of previous isolated tissue studies.

Angiotensin II↗

Hypoxia induces the release of a pulmonary-selective, Ca(2+)-sensitising, vasoconstrictor from the perfused rat lung.

OBJECTIVE: Sustained hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is dependent upon the presence of an intact endothelium, strongly suggesting that an endothelium-derived constrictor factor is involved in this response. In the present study we have attempted to determine whether hypoxia induces the release of a vasoconstrictor(s) from the lung, and whether this vasoconstrictor shares mechanistic features with the hypoxic constrictor response. METHODS: The salt-perfused rat lung, coupled with a simple solid-phase extraction process, and a rat intrapulmonary artery functional bioassay were utilised in this study. RESULTS: Hypoxic, but not normoxic, perfusion of the isolated lung of the rat induced the release of a vasoconstrictor(s) which appeared to be selective for pulmonary over mesenteric arteries of the rat. The vasoconstriction observed was unaffected by inhibition of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, and was not associated with a rise in intracellular [Ca(2+)], suggesting Ca(2+)-sensitisation of the contractile apparatus. The vasoconstriction was also unaffected by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Ro-31-8220, or the endothelin-1 antagonists BQ123/BQ788 but was markedly potentiated in the presence of prostaglandin F(2alpha). CONCLUSION: We conclude that hypoxic perfusion of the rat lung results in the release of a vasoconstrictor(s) which shares some of the facets of the sustained hypoxic constriction of isolated intrapulmonary arteries of the rat, since it involves PKC-independent Ca(2+) sensitisation, is independent of voltage-gated Ca(2+) entry, and is potentiated by the presence of preconstriction.

Acetonitriles↗

Vasoconstrictors: indications and precautions.

Vasoconstrictors are useful additives to local anesthetic solutions. They can enhance the duration and quality of the anesthetic block while also decreasing surgical blood loss. Precautions must be taken, however, when using vasoconstrictors with certain patients, especially those with cardiovascular disease. Several drug interactions must also be considered before administration of a local anesthetic with a vasoconstrictor, and special care must be taken when injecting such preparations in patients on nonspecific beta-adrenergic blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors, cocaine, and certain general anesthetics. Lastly, in the patient with true sulfite allergy, local anesthetics without a vasoconstrictor should be used.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Recombinant human erythropoietin enhances vasoconstrictor tone via endothelin-1 and constrictor prostanoids.

Hypertension is the main side effect developing in patients suffering from renal anemia who are treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). We investigated the effect of rHuEPO on the vascular tone of isolated rabbit aorta and carotid artery under isometric conditions. The production of prostacyclin and the vasoconstrictor prostanoids PGF2 alpha and TXB2 was investigated in arterial rings incubated with rHuEPO. Endothelial cells from human umbilical veins (HUVECs) were isolated and cultured in flasks (37 degrees C, 5% CO2). After incubation with rHuEPO, the formations of prostacyclin (as its stable metabolite 6-keto-PGF1 alpha), PGF2 alpha, PGE2, thromboxane (TX) B2 and of ET-1 were measured by radioimmunoassays. rHuEPO had no direct vasoconstrictor effect, but it enhanced noradrenalin-induced contractions. This effect was more prominent in rings with intact endothelium than in rings from which the endothelium had been mechanically removed, indicating that endothelial vasoactive factors might be involved. Relaxations to acetylcholine (ACh, 1 microM) were unaltered in the presence or absence of rHuEPO, suggesting that the endothelial NO-cGMP pathway was not impaired by rHuEPO. Incubation with rHuEPO (20 to 200 U/ml) increased the release of the vasoconstrictor mediators ET-1, PGF2 alpha and TXB2, and decreased prostacyclin formation in isolated rabbit arterial rings and in HUVECs, respectively. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin abolished the rHuEPO-induced increase in vasoconstrictor prostanoid production. ET-1 formation by HUVECs was also increased by rHuEPO in a dose-dependent manner (maximal effect +90% by rHuEPO 200 U/ml, P < 0.05). Indomethacin and the selective ETA receptor antagonist BQ123 each partly inhibited the enhancement of vascular responsiveness to noradrenalin induced by rHuEPO in rabbit carotid artery, but simultaneous administration of rHuEPO with both antagonists completely abolished the force increment. In conclusion, these studies show that a dose-dependent shift in the balance of constrictor and relaxing prostanoids as well as an increased synthesis of ET-1 induced by rHuEPO lead to the enhanced vascular responsiveness to noradrenalin in isolated rabbit arteries. The increased vascular responsiveness to noradrenalin, which is in line with clinical observations, may contribute to the hypertensive side effect associated with rHuEPO therapy in patients with chronic renal failure.

Acetylcholine↗

Effects of omega-conotoxin GVIA and diltiazem on double peaked vasoconstrictor responses to periarterial electric nerve stimulation in isolated canine splenic artery.

The actions of omega-conotoxin (omega-CTX) and diltiazem on adrenergic and purinergic components of double peaked vasoconstrictor responses to periarterial nerve stimulation have been investigated in the isolated, perfused canine splenic arterial preparation. Double peaked vasoconstrictions (biphases of vasoconstrictors) were consistently observed in the conditions of 30 s trains of pulses at 1 - 10 Hz frequencies. omega-CTX (1 - 30 nM) produced similar inhibitory effects on the first phase and second phase responses in a dose-related manner. Thirty nM omega-CTX almost completely inhibited the biphasic vasoconstrictions at any used frequencies but did not affect the vasoconstrictor responses to exogenous applied ATP (0.01 - 1 micromol) and noradrenaline (0.03 - 3 nmol). Intraluminal application of a large dose of diltiazem (3 - 10 microM) also produced a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on biphasic vasoconstrictions at any used frequencies. Three microM diltiazem exerted rather a larger inhibitory effect on the second phase than the first phase response at low frequencies (1 - 3 Hz), but a similar inhibition on first and second phasic responses at high frequencies (6 - 10 Hz). An extremely high dose of diltiazem (10 microM) almost completely inhibited the biphasic vasoconstrictor responses to nerve stimulation, and slightly inhibited the contractile responses to exogenous applied ATP (0.01 - 1 micromol) and noradrenaline (0.03 - 3 nmol). The present results indicate that omega-CTX selectively acts prejunctionally to inhibit the release of transmitters from sympathetic nerve terminals, and omega-CTX-sensitive calcium channels may produce a parallel controlling of purinergic and adrenergic components of sympathetic cotransmission. A large dose of diltiazem has inhibitory effects on both prejunctional and postjunctional sympathetic co-transmission. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 129, 47 - 52

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Microsphere infusion reverses vasoconstrictor-mediated change in hindlimb oxygen uptake and energy status.

The vasoconstrictors, angiotensin II (AII) and serotonin (5-HT) produce opposing metabolic effects and appear to control different flow routes in the constant-flow perfused rat hindlimb. In the present study the association between vascular flow route recruitment and metabolism was assessed by selective microsphere embolism of either route. Microspheres (MS, 11.9 +/- 0.1 microns, mean +/- SE diameter) were injected during AII, 5-HT or vehicle infusions (basal conditions) and the effects on hindlimb (4.7 +/- 0.1 g muscle) oxygen uptake (VO2) and indices of energy status CrP/Cr, CrP/ATP and energy charge (EC) of the calf muscle group assessed. MS (1.5 x 10(6)) injected during vehicle, or 5-HT infusion increased VO2 (P < 0.05) but did not affect energy status. During AII, MS decreased VO2. Change in VO2 correlated positively with CrP/Cr (r = 0.68, P < 0.0001) and CrP/ATP (r = 0.51, P < 0.001) but not EC (r = 0.08, P = 0.59). MS (1.5 x 10(6)) increased pressure but did not affect the flow rate. The metabolic changes resulting from 1.5 x 10(6) microspheres were intensified by a second injection of 1.5 x 10(6) microspheres but further injection (> 3.0 x 10(6) microspheres) began to inhibit flow. It is concluded that a finite number (< or = 3.0 x 10(6)) of microspheres of 11.9 microns diameter has opposite effects on VO2 depending on the vasoconstrictor present and that these effects result from the occlusion of the different vascular route accessed by each vasoconstrictor. The data support the proposal that hindlimb metabolism can be controlled by vasoconstrictors as a result of selective vascular recruitment.

Angiotensin II↗

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors increase vasoconstrictor requirements after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Preoperative use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is common and has been associated with hypotension at separation from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study prospectively examined the influence of chronic preoperative ACE inhibitor use and other perioperative factors on the incidence of vasoconstrictor therapy required to maintain systolic blood pressure at more than 85 mm Hg despite a normal cardiac output after CPB in 4301 adults undergoing elective coronary artery and/or valve surgery. Hypothermic, nonpulsatile CPB and either opioid or ketamine-benzodiazepine anesthesia were common features of the operations. At least two vasoconstrictor infusions (phenylephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine) were required for low perfusion pressure despite adequate cardiac output after CPB in 7.7% of 519 ACE-inhibited patients and 4.0% of 3782 patients not receiving ACE inhibitors (P = 0.0001). In the first 4 h after arrival in the intensive care unit, the need for vasoconstrictor infusions to treat hypotension with adequate cardiac output did not differ, although more ACE-inhibited patients (6.4%) exhibited low values of systemic vascular resistance (< 600 dyne.s.cm-5) than patients not receiving ACE inhibitors (2.8%; P = 0.0002). Logistic regression analysis identified preoperative ACE inhibitor use, congestive heart failure, poor left ventricular function, duration of CPB, reoperative surgery, age, and opioid anesthesia as independent risk factors for requiring > or = 2 vasoconstrictor infusions after CPB. No other preoperative drug therapy significantly altered this outcome.

Aged↗

Effect of ouabain on the responses to vasoconstrictor agents in isolated perfused rat tail arteries.

In isolated rat tail arteries perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution, ouabain, in concentrations of less than 10(-5) M, caused a concentration-dependent, noncompetitive inhibition of the vasoconstrictor response to phenylephrine. Concentrations of 10(-8) and 10(-6) M caused 30 and 61% inhibition, respectively. The inhibition was gradual in onset, with a maximal effect at 45 min. In concentrations greater than 10(-5) M, ouabain caused a parallel shift to the left of the phenylephrine dose-response curve, indicating potentiation. The potentiation was rapid in onset (within 1 min), and was approximately 1.4-fold. The cutoff point between inhibition and potentiation of vasoconstrictors occurred at a ouabain concentration of 10(-5) M. Ouabain-induced potentiation was nonspecific in regard to the vasoconstrictor used. Phenylephrine, clonidine, and serotonin were each potentiated. Potentiation probably resulted from a reduction in the smooth muscle membrane potential as a consequence of inhibition of Na-K ATPase. The mechanism of the inhibitory effect of ouabain on vasoconstrictors was not resolved but may operate via stimulation of Na-K ATPase. The results are consistent with a "partial agonist" action of ouabain on Na-K ATPase.

Animals↗