Micropuncture evaluation of beta-receptors in pial arteries of cats.

Abstract

The existence of β-receptors and their possible contribution to the vascular tone of pial arteries was investigated using the microapplication technique combined with the measurement of vascular diameter. Concentration response curves for (+) and (−)propranolol revealed an identical course with no vascular reaction occurring between 2.5×10−10 and 2.5×10−5 M propranolol. Since both (+) and (−)propranolol were without effect on vascular diameter over a wide concentration range it is concluded that the vascular tone is not influenced by β-receptors under these experimental conditions. The increase in vascular diameter (60%) observed at 2.5×10−4 M (+) and (−)propranolol is supposed to be due to an unspecific effect. Concentration response curves for isoproterenol revealed no vascular reaction between 2.5×10−11 and 2.5×10−8 M, dilations of 4–5% at 2.5×10−7 and 2.5×10−6 M, constrictions of about 5% at 2.5×10−4 and of 3% at 1.25×10−3 M isoproterenol. These weak vascular reactions cannot be explained by reduced biological activity of isoproterenol due to autoxidation during storage. It is concluded that β-receptors are of little or no physiological significance for regulation of the vascular tone of pial arteries.