Abstract P222: Venous Dilation Contributes to 5-HT-induced Hypotension

Abstract

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) infusion in a normal conscious rat decreases mean arterial pressure (MAP), in part by reduction in total peripheral resistance. Microsphere experiments have shown 5-HT increases blood flow within the splanchnic vascular bed, with the greatest being in the intestine and spleen. Interestingly, 5-HT does not cause a direct relaxation of resistant (small or large) mesenteric arteries. The present study addresses the possibility of the venous circulation contributing to the 5-HT induced fall in blood pressure. Our working hypothesis is venous dilation, specifically dilation of veins measurable within the splanchnic vascular bed, contributes to 5-HT-induced hypotension. Using an ultrasound imaging system (Vevo 2100 imaging system; 21 MHz probe,Visual Sonics Inc.), telemetry-implanted, anesthetized male Sprague Dawley rats underwent cross-sectional imaging which was controlled for respiration and cardiac cycles. The following vessels were imaged: abdominal aorta (AA); portal vein (PV); abdominal inferior vena cava (IVC); and superior mesenteric vein (SMV). Following the collection of baseline MAP and vessel diameter measurements, Alzet osmotic mini-pumps containing vehicle (saline; n=9) or 5-HT (25 ug/kg/min; n=9) were implanted for 1 week. After, 24 hours of infusion, 5-HT increased the vein diameter (SMV 17.48±2%; PV 17.67±2%; IVC 46.87±8%) and maintained the AA diameter ( AA 0.93±1%) from baseline while reducing MAP (vehicle 101.93±3; 5-HT 84.68±2 mm Hg; p<0.05).One-week post removal of all osmotic mini-pumps, there was no difference in the MAP or diameter of all noted vessels between the two treatment groups. To correlate with in vivo findings, the PV and IVC, when isolated in a tissue bath for measurement of isometric force and contracted with endothelin 1, relaxed in a concentration dependent fashion to 5-HT and 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-HT 1/7 receptor agonist;1 nM-10 uM). Collectively, these findings highlight the contribution of splanchnic venous dilation in 5-HT-induced hypotension and propose a possible mechanism for 5-HT reduction in blood pressure.