Regulation Of Arteriolar Tone Research Articles

The relaxing effect of perivascular tissue on porcine retinal arterioles in vitro is mimicked by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate and is blocked by prostaglandin synthesis inhibition

Retinal hyperperfusion resulting from disturbances in the regulation of arteriolar tone is involved in the pathophysiology of a variety of retinal diseases. The mechanisms underlying this regulation of tone involve cellular components in both the vascular wall and the perivascular tissue. However, previous in vitro studies of the influence of perivascular retinal tissue on retinal tone regulation have been hampered by the release of an endogenous relaxing factor that renders the arteriole insensitive to vasoconstrictors. The purpose of the present study was to test whether N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors, and a cyclooxygenase (COX) product influence this effect of perivascular retinal tissue in vitro. Porcine retinal arterioles were mounted in a wire myograph for isometric force measurements. The contractile effect of the prostaglandin analogue U46619 was studied on vessels with preserved perivascular retinal tissue and after this tissue had been removed. The influence of the perivascular tissue was studied after addition of NMDA (a specific agonist for a subtype of the glutamate receptor), DL-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (DL-APV, an antagonist at the same receptor), the natural inhibitory transmitter GABA, and picrotoxin (an antagonist at ionotropic GABA receptors). These experiments were made in the absence and presence of the COX inhibitor, ibuprofen. U46619 caused a concentration-dependent contraction of isolated retinal arterioles. This vasoconstriction was significantly smaller in the presence of perivascular tissue. The NMDA-receptor antagonist, DL-APV, reduced this attenuating influence of the perivascular tissue on the response to U46619, and the response could be modified by NMDA and GABA, but not by picrotoxin. However, ibuprofen totally blocked the attenuating influence of the perivascular tissue on the response to U46619. The inhibition of vascular contractility induced by perivascular retinal tissue in vitro involves NMDA-receptors and an effect of GABA-mimetic substance on retinal tissue. The generation of these effects involves a COX product.

Nitric oxide– and EDHF-mediated arteriolar tone in uremia is unaffected by selective inhibition of vascular cytochrome P450 2C9

Uremia is a state of endothelial dysfunction as demonstrated by a reduced agonist-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Recent studies suggest that an endothelial cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase (CYP 2C9) can modulate endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in two different ways: (1) by the production of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which elicit hyperpolarization and relaxation; and (2) by the release of oxygen-derived free radicals, which compromise the bioavailability of nitric oxide. We therefore determined whether one of these pathways is involved in endothelial dysfunction of uremia. Using venous occlusion plethysmography, we measured forearm blood flow (FBF) in response to the intrabrachial infusion of acetylcholine (ACh; endothelium-dependent vasodilator; 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 300 nmol/min) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP; endothelium-independent vasodilator; 2.5, 5 and 10 microg/min) in 10 stable patients on hemodialysis (HD) and 9 healthy control subjects. In HD patients, ACh infusions were repeated together with sulfaphenazole (SPZ, 6 mg/min), a highly selective inhibitor of CYP 2C9 with and without concomitant blockade of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) by N(omega)monomethyl L-arginine (L-NMMA, 16 microumol/min). Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation to ACh was reduced in HD compared to control subjects (P= 0.002), indicating endothelial dysfunction in the patients examined. Endothelium-independent vascular responses to SNP were attenuated in HD, but not significantly different to control. SPZ failed to modulate both baseline FBF and Ach-induced vasodilatation in HD. Furthermore, SPZ had no effect on baseline FBF and ACh-mediated vasodilatation in the presence of L-NMMA in HD. Our results do not support a major role for CYP 2C9-derived products in the regulation of arteriolar tone in early endothelial dysfunction of uremic subjects.

Nitric oxide regulates renal cortical cyclooxygenase-2 expression.

We have previously shown that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is localized to the cortical thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (cTALH)/macula densa of the rat kidney, and expression increases in response to low-salt diet and/or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. Because of the localization of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) to macula densa and surrounding cTALH, the present study investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of COX-2 expression. For in vivo studies, rats were fed a normal diet, low-salt diet or low-salt diet combined with the ACE inhibitor captopril. In each group, one-half of them were treated with the nNOS inhibitors 7-nitroinidazole (7-NI) or S-methyl-thiocitrulline. Both of these NOS inhibitors inhibited increases in COX-2 mRNA and immunoreactive protein in response to low salt and low salt+captopril. For in vitro studies, COX-2 expression was studied in primary cultures of rabbit cTALH cells immunodisssected with Tamm-Horsfall antibody. Basal COX-2 immunoreactivity expression was stimulated by S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP), an NO donor, and intracellular cGMP concentration. The cultured cells expressed immunoreactive nNOS, and 7-NI inhibited basal COX-2 immunoreactivity expression, which could be partially overcome by cGMP. In summary, these studies indicate that NO is a mediator of increased renal cortical COX-2 expression seen in volume depletion and suggest important interactions between the NO and COX-2 systems in the regulation of arteriolar tone and the renin-angiotensin system by the macula densa.

Interactions of the renin-angiotensin system and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 in the macula densa.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in rat kidney is localized to the macula densa and the immediately proximal cTALH and increases after salt restriction. Either ACE inhibitors or AT1 receptor blockers increase COX-2 expression in both control and salt-restricted animals, suggesting that the RAS activation feedback inhibits renal cortical COX-2 expression. To determine whether increased COX-2 expression in response to ACE inhibition mediated increases in renin production, rats were treated with Captopril for 1 week with or without the specific COX-2 inhibitor, SC58236. Plasma renin activity increased significantly in the Captopril group. This increase was partially reversed by simultaneous treatment with SC58236. Kidney renin activity also increased in the Captopril group compared with control, which was also significantly inhibited by SC58236 treatment. Because of the localization of bNOS to MD and surrounding cTALH, the current study investigated the role of NO in the regulation of COX-2 expression. Rats were fed a normal diet, low salt diet or low salt diet combined with captopril and half of them were treated with the neuronal NOS inhibitor, 7-NI, and half with vehicle. After 7 days, mRNA was extracted and the microsome proteins purified from renal cortex. COX-2 mRNA expression was measured by Northern-blot and normalized with GAPDH. 7-NI treatment decreased COX-2 mRNA and immunoreactive COX-2 expression in each group. In summary, these studies indicate that COX-2 from macula densa/cTALH is a regulator of renin production and release. Angiotensin II may be a negative regulator of cTALH/macula densa COX-2 expression, and NO may mediate increased renal cortical COX-2 expression seen in volume depletion. These studies suggest important interactions between the NO and COX-2 systems in the regulation of arteriolar tone and the renin-angiotensin system by the macula densa.

Effects of Hoe-140 and ramiprilat on arteriolar tone and dilation to bradykinin in skeletal muscle of rats.

In skeletal muscle of pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized rats, the mechanism of action and possible role of the potent vasodilator bradykinin (BK) in regulation of arteriolar tone were investigated. Changes in diameter of third-order arterioles of cremaster muscle in response to topical administration of BK and other vasoactive agents were measured with an image-shearing monitor and recorded with video microscopy. All agonists were administered topically on the exteriorized muscle. With use of Hoe-140, a B2-receptor antagonist, the presence of kinin receptors in arterioles was studied. In control preparations, 10(-5) M arachidonic acid (AA), 0.5 x 10(-6) M acetylcholine (ACh), and 10(-5) M adenosine (ADO) evoked dilation of arterioles of up to 70% of resting diameter. BK (10(-9), 10(-8), 10(-7), and 10(-6) M) elicited dose-dependent arteriolar dilations (1.3 +/- 1.3, 4.1 +/- 0.5, 10.3 +/- 1.6, and 13.3 +/- 1.3 microns, respectively). In the presence of 10(-7) M Hoe-140, dilations to AA, ACh, and ADO were not affected, but those to 10(-9)-10(-7) M BK were eliminated or significantly inhibited (10(-6) M BK: to 2.9 +/- 1.8 microns). Also, whereas Hoe-140 significantly reduced basal arteriolar diameters (from 16.7 +/- 0.9 to 13.8 +/- 1.1 microns, P < 0.05), it did not affect constrictions to norepinephrine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of arteriolar tone and responses via L-arginine pathway in skeletal muscle.

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.

Pathogenesis of arterial hypotension in cirrhotic rats with ascites: Role of endogenous nitric oxide

Nitric oxide is a vasodilator tonically secreted by endothelial cells that is involved in the regulation of arteriolar tone. This study, which includes two protocols, was performed to investigate whether nitric oxide plays a role in the pathogenesis of arterial hypotension in cirrhosis with ascites. In protocol 1, the administration of increasing doses (25, 50, 250, 500 and 1,000 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) of the nitric oxide biosynthesis inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine to 18 conscious rats with cirrhosis and ascites produced, at each dose tested, a significantly greater increase in arterial pressure than in 17 conscious control rats. At the lowest dose of N omega-nitro-L-arginine, arterial pressure significantly rose in cirrhotic rats but not in controls. In protocol 2, arterial pressure, estimated renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate and sodium excretion were measured in 12 cirrhotic rats with ascites and 10 control rats before and during the sequential infusion of previously selected doses of N omega-nitro-L-arginine (25, 50 and 250 micrograms.kg-1.min-1). Changes in arterial pressure reproduced those observed in protocol 1. In control rats, N omega-nitro-L-arginine caused a decrease in estimated renal plasma flow without affecting glomerular filtration rate or sodium excretion. In contrast, N omega-nitro-L-arginine administration to cirrhotic animals did not produce any appreciable renal vasoconstrictor effect, and it increased glomerular filtration rate and sodium excretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine's role in regulating basal coronary arteriolar tone.

This study examined the role of adenosine in regulating coronary arteriolar tone under basal conditions in the normal coronary circulation. Measurements of hemodynamics and flow (microspheres) were made in eight closed-chest, sedated pigs at 1) control and 2) after 10 min of infusion of adenosine deaminase (ADA, 10 U X kg-1 X min-1) into the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Heart rate was held constant by atrial pacing. Transmural flow in the distal LAD zone did not change versus control (1.81 +/- 0.36) with ADA (1.78 +/- 0.46). However, in comparison with control the distal LAD:circumflex zone transmural flow ratio (0.96 +/- 0.04) declined (P less than 0.01) during ADA infusion (0.93 +/- 0.04). Similarly, the distal LAD:circumflex zone transmural flow resistance ratio increased significantly (P less than 0.01) versus control (1.04 +/- 0.05) in response to intracoronary ADA infusion (1.08 +/- 0.04). Regional myocardial oxygen consumption in the distal LAD zone did not change versus control (16.9 +/- 3.3 3.3 ml X min-1 X 100 g-1) during ADA (16.9 +/- 4.5). Additional studies in 15 open-chest swine given intracoronary infusion of ADA demonstrated that 1) the enzyme penetrates the interstitial fluid (ISF) and 2) attains ISF levels which are adequate to reduce basal adenosine concentration 10 fold even if substantial increase in adenosine production occurs in response to ADA. Thus, since destruction of adenosine by ADA caused only very modest relative reduction in regional flow, it is likely that the nucleoside plays only a limited role in regulation of arteriolar tone under basal conditions in the normal coronary circulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Postjunctional α-Adrenoceptors and the Regulation of Arteriolar Tone in Humans

The highly selective alpha-adrenoceptor agonists methoxamine (alpha 1) and azepexole (alpha 2), the less selective alpha-adrenoceptor agonists clonidine (alpha 2 greater than alpha 1) and guanfacine (alpha 2 greater than alpha 1), and the highly selective antagonists doxazosin (alpha 1) and yohimbine (alpha 2) were used to study post-junctional alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes in human blood vessels. Studies were done in healthy volunteers. All drugs were given intraarterially, and changes in forearm blood flow were measured by plethysmography. All agonists produced a significant and dose-dependent vasoconstriction. The effect of azepexole was abolished by yohimbine but hardly influenced by doxazosin. The reverse was found for methoxamine. The clonidine and guanfacine-induced vasoconstriction was partly prevented by both antagonists. Single infusions of doxazosin and yohimbine gave significant vasodilation. It is concluded that post-junctional alpha 1-and alpha 2-adrenoceptors are present in human blood vessels and contribute to basal vascular tone. In a second study, it was shown that both alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes are involved in the vasoconstrictor effect of exogenous adrenaline and noradrenaline. No preference was found of either catecholamine for the postjunctional alpha 1-and alpha 2-adrenoceptor.

Microvascular response to blockade of prostaglandin synthesis in rat skeletal muscle.

The contribution of endogenous prostaglandins (PGs) to the control of arteriolar diameter in the microcirculation is incompletely defied and has only been studied in drug-anesthetized animals. To test the possibility that endogenous PGs are tonically released to exert a net dilator influence at certain levels in the microcirculation, television microscopy was used to quantitate the arteriolar responses in the rat cremaster muscle to local blockade of PG synthesis with indomethacin. Rats were decerebrated by a midcollicular transection and were allowed to recover from surgical anesthesia. The cremaster muscle with intact circulation and innervation was suspended by sutures in a temperature-controlled Krebs bath. Diameters, vasomotion frequency, and vasomotion amplitude of arterioles at several anatomic levels were measured before and after local inhibition of PG synthesis in the presence and absence of alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade. Inhibition of PG synthesis produced marked constriction (42-66% of control) at all arteriolar levels, with greater responses occurring in the smaller arterioles. PG synthesis blockade increased vasomotion frequency in arterioles that exhibited spontaneous vasomotion during control periods, and blockade induced vasomotion in vessels lacking spontaneous vasomotion. Pretreatment with phentolamine significantly attenuated the constriction and augmentation of vasomotion. These data indicate that dilator PGs participate in the moment-to-moment regulation of arteriolar tone and local blood flow in skeletal muscle. Further, their mechanism of action may involve alterations in neuronal norepinephrine release or alpha-receptor sensitivity.

Role of prostaglandins and histamine in reactive hyperemia: In-vivo studies on single mesenteric arterioles

Direct, in vivo microcirculatory experiments were undertaken with anesthetized haft to determineprostaglandin (PG)-like compounds and histamine may mee pest-occlusion hyperemia in single mesenteric arterioles. Superfuslon of the mask vasculature with two structurally efferent PG synthetase inhibitors, Indomethacin and 5, 8, 11, 14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETA), was found to markedly inhibit padoccluslon vowdilafor responses In aterfoles 20–22μm I.d. Superfusion of the mosentery with an H 2-histamine receptor antagonist, metlamlde, resulted In a 40% inhibition of the pastoccludon vasodilator responses in arterioles. Superfuslon of the mesenteric vaculature with a combination of indamethocin and metlammide resulted In a 95% suppression of tho posaacctuslon dilator responses. Administration of either the PG synthetase Inhibitors, metiamide, or a combination of both types of drugs did not, however, influence resting artetfalor tone or responsiveness too PGE 1 or epinephrine. Although the results of these experiments implicate a role for PG-like substances and histamine In reactive or postocclalon hyperania, they do not provide evidence for a role of these humoral substances In the normal moment-to-moment regulation of arteriolar tone.

Alterations in systemic vascular volume of the dog in response to hexamethonium and norepinephrine.

A diaphragm pump of controlled constant output was substituted for the left ventricle in dogs. Left auricular blood was conducted to a reservoir, from which it was pumped into the thoracic aorta. Left ventricular by-pass was complete. Alterations in total vascular volume were continually monitored by observation of the pump reservoir level. Sympathetic blockade (hexamethonium) increased total vascular volume (mean 15%). This resulted in decreased venous return and decreased right ventricular output. Norepinephrine constricted the total vasculature and decreased vascular volume (mean 12%). This resulted in increased venous return and cardiac output. These experiments demonstrated the complex integrated responses of the total circulation to sympathetic vasomotor activity. The role of the sympathetic nervous system not only in the regulation of arteriolar tone and cardiac activity but also in adjusting total vascular volume and venous return was emphasized. Venous return, and hence cardiac output alterations accompanying systemic vasomotor activity can only be detected by continuous methods of flow measurement.