The effects of indomethacin on cold-induced vasodilation in the cat
Authors:
David R. Franz
Affiliation:
Physiology Branch, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010, U.S.A.
Abstract:
1. 1. Cold-induced vasodilatation (CIVD) was assessed from records of foot-pad temperatures of 6 domestic cats during immersion of both hind feet in a 0°C water bath.
2. 2. All experiments were performed following anaesthesia with sodium pentobarbital.
3. 3. Four days after the control recordings, the animals were given indomethacin, 5 mg/kg intravenously, and the CIVD response was examined once again; a third test of the cold response was performed 4 days after the treatment with indomethacin.
4. 4. Phasic increases in foot-pad temperature (CIVD) during immersion were smaller (P < 0.05) and delayed in onset (P < 0.05) in the animals treated with indomethacin at a dose which inhibits cyclo-oxygenase.
5. 5. It is proposed that CIVD involves a balance between central symphathetic vasoconstrictor tone and periodic prostaglandin-induced vasodilatation.