Contribution of cytochrome P-450 omega-hydroxylase to altered arteriolar reactivity with high-salt diet and hypertension

The present study evaluated the contribution of cytochrome P-450 omega-hydroxylase in modulating the reactivity of cremaster muscle arterioles in normotensive rats on high-salt (HS) and low-salt (LS) diet and in rats with reduced renal mass hypertension (RRM-HT). Changes in arteriolar diameter in response to ACh, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), ANG II, and elevated O(2) were measured via television microscopy under control conditions and following cytochrome P-450 omega-hydroxylase inhibition with 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA) or N-methylsulfonyl-12,12-dibromododec-11-enamide (DDMS). In normotensive rats on either LS or HS diet, resting tone was unaffected and arteriolar reactivity to ACh or SNP was minimally affected by cytochrome P-450 omega-hydroxylase inhibition. In RRM-HT rats, cytochrome P-450 omega-hydroxylase inhibition reduced resting tone and significantly enhanced arteriolar dilation to ACh and SNP. Treatment with 17-ODYA or DDMS inhibited arteriolar constriction to ANG II and O(2) in all the groups, although the degree of inhibition was greater in RRM-HT than in normotensive animals. These results suggest that metabolites of cytochrome P-450 omega-hydroxylase contribute to the altered reactivity of skeletal muscle arterioles to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator stimuli in RRM-HT.     

Effects of Type II diabetes on capillary hemodynamics in skeletal muscle

Microcirculatory red blood cell (RBC) hemodynamics are impaired within skeletal muscle of Type I diabetic rats (Kindig CA, Sexton WL, Fedde MR, and Poole DC. Respir Physiol 111: 163-175, 1998). Whether muscle microcirculatory dysfunction occurs in Type II diabetes, the more prevalent form of the disease, is unknown. We hypothesized that Type II diabetes would reduce the proportion of capillaries supporting continuous RBC flow and RBC hemodynamics within the spinotrapezius muscle of the Goto-Kakizaki Type II diabetic rat (GK). With the use of intravital microscopy, muscle capillary diameter (d(c)), capillary lineal density, capillary tube hematocrit (Hct(cap)), RBC flux (F(RBC)), and velocity (V(RBC)) were measured in healthy male Wistar (control: n = 5, blood glucose, 105 +/- 5 mg/dl) and male GK (n = 7, blood glucose, 263 +/- 34 mg/dl) rats under resting conditions. Mean arterial pressure did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). Sarcomere length was set to a physiological length ( approximately 2.7 mum) to ensure that muscle stretching did not alter capillary hemodynamics; d(c) was not different between control and GK rats (P > 0.05), but the percentage of RBC-perfused capillaries (control: 93 +/- 3; GK: 66 +/- 5 %), Hct(cap), V(RBC), F(RBC), and O(2) delivery per unit of muscle were all decreased in GK rats (P < 0.05). This study indicates that Type II diabetes reduces both convective O(2) delivery and diffusive O(2) transport properties within muscle microcirculation. If these microcirculatory deficits are present during exercise, it may provide a basis for the reduced O(2) exchange characteristic of Type II diabetic patients.     

Nitric oxide produced via neuronal NOS may impair vasodilatation in septic rat skeletal muscle

Impaired vascular responsiveness in sepsis may lead to maldistribution of blood flow in organs. We hypothesized that increased production of nitric oxide (NO) via inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mediates the impaired dilation to ACh in sepsis. Using a 24-h cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) model of sepsis, we measured changes in arteriolar diameter and in red blood cell velocity (V(RBC)) in a capillary fed by the arteriole, following application of ACh to terminal arterioles of rat hindlimb muscle. Sepsis attenuated both ACh-stimulated dilation and V(RBC) increase. In control rats, arteriolar pretreatment with the NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine or sodium nitroprusside reduced diameter and V(RBC) responses to a level that mimicked sepsis. In septic rats, arteriolar pretreatment with the "selective" iNOS blockers aminoguanidine (AG) or S-methylisothiourea sulfate (SMT) restored the responses to the control level. The putative neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibitor 7-nitroindazole also restored the response toward control. At 24-h post-CLP, muscles showed no reduction of endothelial NOS (eNOS), elevation of nNOS, and, surprisingly, no induction of iNOS protein; calcium-dependent constitutive NOS (eNOS+nNOS) enzyme activity was increased whereas calcium-independent iNOS activity was negligible. We conclude that 1) AG and SMT inhibit nNOS activity in septic skeletal muscle, 2) NO could impair vasodilative responses in control and septic rats, and 3) the source of increased endogenous NO in septic muscle is likely upregulated nNOS rather than iNOS. Thus agents released from the blood vessel milieu (e.g., NO produced by skeletal muscle nNOS) could affect vascular responsiveness.     

Role of nitric oxide in capillary perfusion and oxygen delivery regulation during systemic hypoxia

The role of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in regulating capillary perfusion was studied in the hamster cheek pouch model during normoxia and after 20 min of exposure to 10% O2-90% N2. We measured PO2 by using phosphorescence quenching microscopy and ROS production in systemic blood. Identical experiments were performed after treatment with the NO synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and after the reinfusion of the NO donor 2,2'-(hydroxynitrosohydrazono)bis-etanamine (DETA/NO) after treatment with L-NMMA. Hypoxia caused a significant decrease in the systemic PO2. During normoxia, arteriolar intravascular PO2 decreased progressively from 47.0 +/- 3.5 mmHg in the larger arterioles to 28.0 +/- 2.5 mmHg in the terminal arterioles; conversely, intravascular PO2 was 7-14 mmHg and approximately uniform in all arterioles. Tissue PO2 was 85% of baseline. Hypoxia significantly dilated arterioles, reduced blood flow, and increased capillary perfusion (15%) and ROS (72%) relative to baseline. Administration of L-NMMA during hypoxia further reduced capillary perfusion to 47% of baseline and increased ROS to 34% of baseline, both changes being significant. Tissue PO2 was reduced by 33% versus the hypoxic group. Administration of DETA/NO after L-NMMA caused vasodilation, normalized ROS, and increased capillary perfusion and tissue PO2. These results indicate that during normoxia, oxygen is supplied to the tissue mostly by the arterioles, whereas in hypoxia, oxygen is supplied to tissue by capillaries by a NO concentration-dependent mechanism that controls capillary perfusion and tissue PO2, involving capillary endothelial cell responses to the decrease in lipid peroxide formation controlled by NO availability during low PO2 conditions.     

Exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy: a correlation of blood flow and microvasculature

The effects of exercise conditioning on the myocardium were studied in seven instrumented pigs strenuously exercised for 12 wk by treadmill running. Data were compared with eight instrumented untrained pigs. O2 consumption measured during maximum exercise effort was significantly elevated in the trained pigs (71.7 +/- 4.0 vs. 56.3 +/- 3.0 ml X ml-1 X kg-1). Absolute right and left ventricular mass increased by 20 and 13%, respectively, in response to exercise. Myocyte cross-sectional area increased by 21% in the trained hearts compared with the untrained hearts. Transmural left ventricular myocardial blood flow (ml X min-1 X g-1) was not significantly different at rest, during maximum exercise, or during exercise with adenosine infusion. However, training caused an elevation of the regional epicardial blood flow noted during exercise and exercise with adenosine. In the trained pigs mean aortic pressure during maximum exercise with adenosine infusion was not significantly different compared with untrained pigs. Coronary resistance during exercise with adenosine infusion was the same in both animal groups. In the trained group capillary numerical (no./mm2) and length (mm/mm3) densities were reduced, whereas arteriolar numerical and length densities were significantly increased compared with the untrained group. Measurements of capillary luminal surface density (mm2/mm3) in the trained group were unchanged compared with the untrained group. These results suggest that strenuous exercise does not stimulate the production of new capillaries, but this is modified by the ability of existing capillaries to increase their luminal surface area to parallel increases in myocyte growth. The arteriolar data suggest that exercise promotes the formation of new arterioles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Impaired capillary hemodynamics in skeletal muscle of rats in chronic heart failure.

Skeletal muscle blood flow is reduced and O(2) extraction is increased at rest in chronic heart failure (CHF). Knowledge of red blood cell (RBC) flow distribution within the capillary network is necessary for modeling O(2) delivery and exchange in this disease. Intravital microscopy techniques were used to study the in vivo spinotrapezius muscle microcirculation in rats with CHF 7 wk after myocardial infarction and in sham-operated controls (sham). A decrease in mean muscle fiber width from 51.3 +/- 1.9 microm in sham to 42.6 +/- 1.4 microm in CHF rats (P < 0.01) resulted in an increased lineal density of capillaries in CHF rats (P < 0.05). CHF reduced (P < 0.05) the percentage of capillaries supporting continuous RBC flow from 87 +/- 5 to 66 +/- 5%, such that the lineal density of capillaries supporting continuous RBC flow remained unchanged. The percentage of capillaries supporting intermittent RBC flow was increased in CHF rats (8 and 27% in sham and CHF, respectively, P < 0.01); however, these capillaries contributed only 2.3 and 3.3% of the total RBC flux in sham and CHF rats, respectively. In continuously RBC-perfused capillaries, RBC velocity (252 +/- 20 and 144 +/- 9 microm/s in sham and CHF, respectively, P < 0.001) and flux (21.4 +/- 2.4 and 9.4 +/- 1.1 cells/s in sham and CHF, respectively, P < 0.01) were markedly reduced in CHF compared with sham rats. Capillary "tube" hematocrit remained unchanged (0.22 +/- 0.02 and 0.19 +/- 0.02 in sham and CHF, respectively, P > 0.05). We conclude that CHF causes spinotrapezius fiber atrophy and reduces the number of capillaries supporting continuous RBC flow per fiber. Within these capillaries supporting continuous RBC flow, RBC velocity and flux are reduced 45-55%. This decreases the potential for O(2) delivery but enhances fractional O(2) extraction by elevating RBC capillary residence time. The unchanged capillary tube hematocrit suggests that any alterations in muscle O(2) diffusing properties in CHF are mediated distal to the RBC.     

Application of local heat induces capillary recruitment in the Pallid bat wing

Skin blood flow increases in response to local heat due to sensorineural and nitric oxide (NO)-mediated dilation. It has been previously demonstrated that arteriolar dilation is inhibited with NO synthase (NOS) blockade. Flow, nonetheless, increases with local heat. This implies that the previously unexamined nonarteriolar responses play a significant role in modulating flow. We thus hypothesized that local heating induces capillary recruitment. We heated a portion (3 cm2) of the Pallid bat wing from 25 degrees C to 37 degrees C for 20 min, and measured changes in terminal feed arteriole (approximately 25 microm) diameter and blood velocity to calculate blood flow (n = 8). Arteriolar dilation was reduced with NOS and sensorineural blockade using a 1% (wt/vol) NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and 2% (wt/vol) lidocaine solution (n = 8). We also measured changes in the number of perfused capillaries, and the time precapillary sphincters were open with (n = 8) and without (n = 8) NOS plus sensorineural blockade. With heat, the total number of perfused capillaries increased 92.7 +/- 17.9% (P = 0.011), and a similar increase occurred despite NOS plus sensorineural blockade 114.4 +/- 30.0% (P = 0.014). Blockade eliminated arteriolar dilation (-4.5 +/- 2.1%). With heat, the percent time precapillary sphincters remained open increased 32.3 +/- 6.0% (P = 0.0006), and this increase occurred despite NOS plus sensorineural blockade (34.1 +/- 5.8%, P = 0.0004). With heat, arteriolar blood flow increased (187.2 +/- 28.5%, P = 0.00003), which was significantly attenuated with NOS plus sensorineural blockade (88.6 +/- 37.2%, P = 0.04). Thus, capillary recruitment is a fundamental microvascular response to local heat, independent of arteriolar dilation and the well-documented sensorineural and NOS mechanisms mediating the response to local heat.     

Analysis of the Relationship Between Hemorheologic Parameters,Aluminum, Manganese,and Selenium in Smokers

Smoking is a significant risk factor in fatal pathologies including cardio-cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases. Aluminum (Al) is a toxic element without known biological function, but with recognized toxic effects. Manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se) are essential trace elements involved in cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms. Al, Mn, and Se carry out their metabolic activities via blood flow and tissue oxygenation. The structure and number of red blood cells (RBC) play important role in tissue oxygenation throughout blood flow. Increased hematocrit (Hct) as a result of probable hypoxia induces disturbed blood flow, RBC aggregation (RBC Agg), RBC deformability index (Tk), and oxygen delivery index (ODI). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of altered Al, Mn, and Se levels on number, structure, and function of RBCs (Hct, blood and plasma viscosity (BV and PV, respectively), RBC Agg, Tk, ODI) in smokers without diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a study group (n = 128) categorized as ex-smokers (ES), smokers (S), and healthy controls (HC). Elements were analyzed in serum using ICP-OES. BV and PV were measured via Brookfield and Harkness viscometers at 37 °C, respectively. Smokers had statistically higher serum Al and Mn levels, BV, RBC, Hgb, Hct, PV, fibrinogen, RBC Agg, Tk₄₅, and pulmonary blood flow rate, but lower serum Se levels and ODI₄₅ values versus HC. In conclusion, increased Al, Mn, and hemorheological parameters and decreased Se and ODI₄₅ might result from inflammatory response in defense mechanism in smokers without diagnosis of COPD. Our results point out that serum Al, Mn, and Se with hemorheological parameters may be beneficial markers of tissue oxygenation and defense mechanism before the clinic onset of COPD in smokers.

     

Adenosine linking reduced O2 to arteriolar NO release in intestine is not formed from extracellular ATP

We have previously reported that adenosine formed in response to reduced arteriolar and/or tissue PO(2) preserves endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthesis during sympathetic vasoconstriction in the rat intestine. To more precisely identify the site and mechanism of adenosine formation under these conditions, we tested the hypothesis that ATP released in response to reduced O(2) levels serves as a source of adenosine. Direct application of ATP to the wall of first-order arterioles elicited dose-dependent dilations of 15-33% above resting diameter that were reduced by 71-80% by the 5'-ectonucleotidase inhibitor alpha,beta-methyleneadenosine 5'-diphosphate (AOPCP, 4.5 x 10(-5) M) and completely abolished by N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 10(-4) M). Under control conditions, sympathetic nerve stimulation at 3 and 8 Hz induced arteriolar constrictions of 11 +/- 1 and 19 +/- 1 microm, respectively. These responses were enhanced by 58-69% in the presence of L-NMMA or when local PO(2) was maintained at resting levels. However, in the presence of AOPCP, the enhancing effects of L-NMMA and the high O(2) superfusate on sympathetic constriction were preserved. These results suggest that, although exogenously applied ATP can stimulate arteriolar NO release in the intestine largely through its sequential extracellular hydrolysis to adenosine, this process does not contribute to adenosine formation and sustained NO release during sympathetic constriction in this vascular bed.     

Hemodynamics evoked by microelectrical direct stimulation in rat somatosensory cortex

The aim of this study was to estimate the timing (latency) of the increase in red blood cell (RBC) velocity and RBC concentration, and the magnitude of response in local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) for neuronal activation. We measured LCBF change during activation of the somatosensory cortex by direct microelectrical stimulation. Electrical stimuli of 5, 10 and 50 Hz of 1 ms pulse with 10-15 microA, were given for 5 s. LCBF, RBC velocity and RBC concentration were monitored by laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in alpha-chloralose anesthetized rats (n = 7). LCBF, RBC velocity and RBC concentration increased nearly proportionally to stimulus frequency, i.e. neuronal activity. LCBF rose approximately 0.5 s after the onset of stimulation, and there was no significant time lag of the latencies among LCBF, RBC velocity and RBC concentration at the same stimulus frequency. We interpret these results to mean that the onset of LCBF increase on cortical activation is reflected by a rapid change in arteriole (resistance vessel) dilation and capillary volume. The data also elucidate the linear relationship between LCBF increase and cortical activity.     

Matching coronary blood flow to myocardial oxygen consumption.

At rest the myocardium extracts approximately 75% of the oxygen delivered by coronary blood flow. Thus there is little extraction reserve when myocardial oxygen consumption is augmented severalfold during exercise. There are local metabolic feedback and sympathetic feedforward control mechanisms that match coronary blood flow to myocardial oxygen consumption. Despite intensive research the local feedback control mechanism remains unknown. Physiological local metabolic control is not due to adenosine, ATP-dependent K(+) channels, nitric oxide, prostaglandins, or inhibition of endothelin. Adenosine and ATP-dependent K(+) channels are involved in pathophysiological ischemic or hypoxic coronary dilation and myocardial protection during ischemia. Sympathetic beta-adrenoceptor-mediated feedforward arteriolar vasodilation contributes approximately 25% of the increase in coronary blood flow during exercise. Sympathetic alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction in medium and large coronary arteries during exercise helps maintain blood flow to the vulnerable subendocardium when cardiac contractility, heart rate, and myocardial oxygen consumption are high. In conclusion, several potential mediators of local metabolic control of the coronary circulation have been evaluated without success. More research is needed.     

Effects of erythrocyte flexibility on microvascular perfusion and oxygenation during acute anemia

Responses to exchange transfusion using red blood cells (RBCs) with normal and reduced flexibility were studied in the hamster window chamber model during acute moderate isovolemic hemodilution to determine the role of RBC membrane stiffness in microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation. Erythrocyte stiffness was increased by 30-min incubation in 0.02% glutaraldehyde solution, and unreacted glutaraldehyde was completely removed. Filtration pressure through 5-microm pore size filters was used to quantify stiffness of the RBCs. Anemic conditions were induced by two isovolemic hemodilution steps using 6% 70-kDa dextran to a hematocrit (Hct) of 18% (moderate hemodilution). The protocol continued with an exchange transfusion to reduce native RBCs to 75% of baseline (11% Hct) with either fresh RBCs (RBC group) or reduced-flexibility RBCs (GRBC group) suspended in 5% albumin at 18% Hct; a plasma expander (6% 70-kDa dextran; Dex70 group) was used as control. Systemic parameters, microvascular perfusion, capillary perfusion [functional capillary density (FCD)], and oxygen levels across the microvascular network were measured by noninvasive methods. RBC deformability for GRBCs was significantly decreased compared with RBCs and moderate hemodilution conditions. The GRBC group had a greater mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) than the RBC and Dex70 groups. FCD was substantially higher for RBC (0.81 +/- 0.07 of baseline) vs. GRBC (0.32 +/- 0.10 of baseline) and Dex70 (0.38 +/- 0.10 of baseline) groups. Microvascular tissue Po(2) was significantly lower for Dex70 and GRBC vs. RBC groups and the moderate hemodilution condition. Results were attributed to decreased oxygen uploading in the lungs and obstruction of tissue capillaries by rigidified RBCs, indicating that the effects impairing RBC flexibility are magnified at the microvascular level, where perfusion and oxygenation may define transfusion outcome.     

Skeletal muscle capillary hemodynamics from rest to contractions: implications for oxygen transfer.

Muscle contractions evoke an immediate rise in blood flow. Distribution of this hyperemia within the capillary bed may be deterministic for muscle O(2) diffusing capacity and remains unresolved. We developed the exteriorized rat (n = 4) spinotrapezius muscle for evaluation of capillary hemodynamics before (rest), during, and immediately after (post) a bout of twitch contractions to resolve (second-by-second) alterations in red blood cell velocity (V(RBC)) and flux (f(RBC)). Contractions increased (all P < 0.05) capillary V(RBC) (rest: 270 +/- 62 microm/s; post: 428 +/- 47 microm/s), f(RBC) (rest: 22.4 +/- 5.5 cells/s; post: 44.3 +/- 5.5 cells/s), and hematocrit but not the percentage of capillaries supporting continuous RBC flow (rest: 84.0 +/- 0.7%; post: 89.5+/-1.4%; P > 0.05). V(RBC) peaked within the first one or two contractions, whereas f(RBC) increased to an initial short plateau (first 12-20 s) followed by a secondary rise to steady state. Hemodynamic temporal profiles were such that capillary hematocrit tended to decrease rather than increase over the first approximately 15 s of contractions. We conclude that contraction-induced alterations in capillary RBC flux and distribution augment both convective and diffusive mechanisms for blood-myocyte O(2) transfer. However, across the first 10-15 s of contractions, the immediate and precipitous rise in V(RBC) compared with the biphasic and prolonged increase of f(RBC) may act to lower O(2) diffusing capacity by not only reducing capillary transit time but by delaying the increase in the instantaneous RBC-to-capillary surface contact thought crucial for blood-myocyte O(2) flux.     

Reduced NO-dependent arteriolar dilation during the development of cardiomyopathy

Our previous studies have suggested that there is reduced nitric oxide (NO) production in canine coronary blood vessels after the development of pacing-induced heart failure. The goal of these studies was to determine whether flow-induced NO-mediated dilation is altered in coronary arterioles during the development of heart failure. Subepicardial coronary arterioles (basal diameter 80 microm) were isolated from normal canine hearts, from hearts with dysfunction but no heart failure, and from hearts with severe cardiac decompensation. Arterioles were perfused at increasing flow or administered agonists with no flow in vitro. In arterioles from normal hearts, flow increased arteriolar diameter, with one-half of the response being NO dependent and one-half prostaglandin dependent. Shear stress-induced dilation was eliminated by removing the endothelium. Arterioles from normal hearts and hearts with dysfunction but no failure responded to increasing shear stress with dilation that reached a maximum at a shear stress of 20 dyn/cm(2). In contrast, arterioles from failing hearts showed a reduced dilation, reaching only 55% of the dilation seen in vessels of normal hearts at a shear stress of 100 dyn/cm(2). This remaining dilation was eliminated by indomethacin, suggesting that the NO-dependent component was absent in coronary microvessels after the development of heart failure. Similarly, agonist-induced NO-dependent coronary arteriolar dilation was markedly attenuated after the development of heart failure. After the development of severe dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure, the NO-dependent component of both shear stress- and agonist-induced arteriolar dilation is reduced or entirely absent.     

Microvascular and capillary perfusion following glycocalyx degradation.

Systemic parameters and microvascular and capillary hemodynamics were studied in the hamster window chamber model before and after hyaluronan degradation by intravenous injection of Streptomyces hyaluronidase (100 units, 40-50 U/ml plasma). Glycocalyx permeation was estimated using fluorescent markers of different molecular size (40, 70, and 2,000 kDa), and electrical charge. Systemic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, blood gases) and microhemodynamics (vascular tone, velocity, and blood flow) remained statistically unchanged after injection of hyaluronidase, compared with inactivated hyaluronidase. Conversely, capillary hemodynamics were drastically affected. Functional capillary density, the capillaries perfused with red blood cells (RBCs), decreased by 35%, capillary Hct of the remaining functional capillaries increased from 16 to 27%, and penetration of 70-kDa fluorescent marker increased. Furthermore, plasma-only perfused capillaries statistically increased 30 min after hyaluronidase. The decrease in functional capillary density accounted for an increased RBC flux in the remainder of the capillaries, since the same number of RBCs had to traverse a reduced number of capillaries. Flux balances showed a reduction from baseline of 11% for the RBC flux and 20% for the plasma flux after treatment. These discrepancies are within the margin of error of the techniques used and could be explained by accounting for RBC over-velocity compared with plasma. These findings suggest that the decrease in the glycocalyx leads to capillary perfusion impairments.     

Subcutaneous PO2 as an index of the physiological limits for hemodilution in the rat.

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that changes in subcutaneous PO2 (PscO2) during progressive hemodilution will reliably predict a "critical point" at which tissue O2 consumption (VO2) becomes dependent on O2 delivery (QO2). Twelve pentobarbital-anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats (315-375 g) underwent stepwise exchange of plasma for blood (1.5 ml of plasma for each 1 ml of blood lost). The initial exchange was equal to 25% of the estimated circulatory blood volume, and each subsequent exchange was equal to 10% of the estimated circulatory blood volume. After nine exchanges, the hematocrit (Hct) fell from 42 +/- 1 to 6 +/- 1%. Cardiac output and O2 extraction rose significantly. PscO2 became significantly reduced (P < 0.05) after exchange of 45% of the blood volume (Hct = 16 +/- 1%). VO2 became delivery dependent when QO2 fell below 21 ml x min(-1) x kg body wt(-1) (mean Hct = 13 +/- 1%). Eight control rats undergoing 1:1 blood-blood exchange showed no change in PscO2, pH, HCO3(-), or hemodynamics. Measurement of PscO2 may be a useful guide to monitor the adequacy of QO2 during hemodilution.     

Increased tissue PO2 and decreased O2 delivery and consumption after 80% exchange transfusion with polymerized hemoglobin

The O2-carrying blood substitute based on polymerized bovine hemoglobin (PBH) was used to determine efficacy in maintaining tissue Po2 after an 80% isovolemic blood exchange leading to a hematocrit of 19% [5.4 g Hb/dl from red blood cells (RBCs) and 6.3 g Hb/dl from PBH]. Effects were studied in terms of O2 delivery, O2 extraction, and tissue Po2 at the microcirculatory level at 1, 12, and 24 h after exchange transfusion in awake hamsters prepared with a window chamber model. At 1 h after exchange, arteriolar and venular diameters were decreased compared with baseline. Arteriolar diameter did not fully recover at 12 h after exchange, but venular diameter returned to normal. At 24 h after exchange, arteriolar and venular diameters were not different from baseline. Combining diameter and flow velocity data allowed us to calculate arteriolar and venular flows. At 1 h after exchange, arteriolar and venular flow was reduced compared with baseline. Arteriolar flow was lower at 12 h after exchange and recovered after 24 h. The number of capillaries with RBC passage [functional capillary density (FCD)] at 1 h after exchange with PBH was significantly lower than baseline. FCD remained decreased at 12 h; at 24 h after exchange transfusion, FCD was fully recovered. Tissue Po2 was maximal at 1 h after exchange and decreased progressively at 12 and 24 h after exchange. O2 release to the tissue was minimal at 1 h and increased at 12 and 24 h after exchange. These results suggest the impairment of tissue O2 metabolism after introduction of PBH into the circulation, which is mitigated as PBH concentration declines.     

缺氧对右心室最大心肌血流量的影响

为了探讨缺氧对冠状血管贮备力的影响,我们观察了缺氧时大鼠血流动力学及右心室最大心肌血流量的变化。结果表明,急性缺氧引起ＰａＯ２、心输出量及氧运送量降低,但右心室心肌血流量增加,右心室最大与安静血流量比值降低。慢性缺氧时ＰａＯ２降低,血球比积和右心室重量指数增加,氧运送量和右心室血流量正常,但最大血流量降低,小动脉增厚、外膜胶元增加。以上结果提示,慢性缺氧对冠状血管贮备减少可能是小动脉壁增厚、外膜胶元增加和血液粘滞性增加及右心室肥大的结果。     

High dietary salt reduces the contribution of 20-HETE to arteriolar oxygen responsiveness in skeletal muscle

The coupling of tissue blood flow to cellular metabolic demand involves oxygen-dependent adjustments in arteriolar tone, and arteriolar responses to oxygen can be mediated, in part, by changes in local production of 20-HETE. In this study, we examined the long-term effect of dietary salt on arteriolar oxygen responsiveness in the exteriorized, superfused rat spinotrapezius muscle and the role of 20-HETE in this responsiveness. Rats were fed either a normal-salt (NS, 0.45%) or high-salt (HS, 4%) diet for 4-5 wk. There was no difference in steady-state tissue Po(2) between NS and HS rats, and elevation of superfusate oxygen content from 0% to 10% caused tissue Po(2) to increase by the same amount in both groups. However, the resulting reductions in arteriolar diameter and blood flow were less in HS rats than NS rats. Inhibition of 20-HETE formation with N-methylsulfonyl-12,12-dibromododec-11-enamide (DDMS) or 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA) attenuated oxygen-induced constriction in NS rats but not HS rats. Exogenous 20-HETE elicited arteriolar constriction that was greatly reduced by the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (K(Ca)) channel inhibitors tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) and iberiotoxin (IbTx) in NS rats and a smaller constriction that was less sensitive to TEA or IbTx in HS rats. Arteriolar responses to exogenous angiotensin II were similar in both groups but more sensitive to inhibition with DDMS in NS rats. Norepinephrine-induced arteriolar constriction was similar and insensitive to DDMS in both groups. We conclude that 20-HETE contributes to oxygen-induced constriction of skeletal muscle arterioles via inhibition of K(Ca) channels and that a high-salt diet impairs arteriolar responses to increased oxygen availability due to a reduction in vascular smooth muscle responsiveness to 20-HETE.     

High salt intake reduces endothelium-dependent dilation of mouse arterioles via superoxide anion generated from nitric oxide synthase

In skeletal muscle arterioles of normotensive rats fed a high salt diet, the bioavailability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) is reduced by superoxide anion. Because the impact of dietary salt on resistance vessels in other species is largely unknown, we investigated endothelium-dependent dilation and oxidant activity in spinotrapezius muscle arterioles of C57BL/6J mice fed normal (0.45%, NS) or high salt (7%, HS) diets for 4 wk. Mean arterial pressure in HS mice was not different from that in NS mice, but the magnitude of arteriolar dilation in response to different levels of ACh was 42-57% smaller in HS mice than in NS mice. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) with N(G) monomethyl L-arginine (L-NMMA) significantly reduced resting diameters and reduced responses to ACh (by 45-63%) in NS mice but not in HS mice. Arteriolar wall oxidant activity, as assessed by tetranitroblue tetrazolium reduction or hydroethidine oxidation, was greater in HS mice than in NS mice. Exposure to the superoxide scavenger 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO) + catalase reduced this oxidant activity to normal and restored normal arteriolar responsiveness to ACh in HS mice but had no effect in NS mice. L-NMMA also restored arteriolar oxidant activity to normal in HS mice. ACh further increased arteriolar oxidant activity in HS mice but not in NS mice, and this effect was prevented with L-NMMA. These data suggest that a high salt diet promotes increased generation of superoxide anion from NOS in the murine skeletal muscle microcirculation, thus impairing endothelium-dependent dilation through reduced NO bioavailability.