Release by hypoxia of a soluble vasoconstrictor from rabbit small pulmonary arteries.

Journal article

BACKGROUND: Soluble pulmonary vasoconstrictors released in response to hypoxia have been reported in pig and rat preparations, but not in rabbit preparations. METHODS: We used myography to evaluate the contribution of a soluble factor to constriction in rabbit small pulmonary arteries (external diameter 300-475 microm) exposed to 45 min hypoxia (PO(2)=9 mm Hg). RESULTS: Hypoxia produced gradually intensifying constriction. Return to euoxia (PO(2)=145 mm Hg) for 30 min relaxed only approximately 30% of the constriction, whereas elution of the myograph bath yielded full relaxation. Reapplication of the eluent gradually restored the constriction to its pre-elution level over a 30-min period. CONCLUSIONS: In this closed system, a soluble factor contributes substantially to hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.

Authors: Talbot, N; Robbins, P; Dorrington, K

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: British journal of anaesthesia
• Volume: 91
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 592-594
• Publication date: 2003-10-01
• DOI: 10.1093/bja/aeg218
• EISSN: 1471-6771
• ISSN: 0007-0912
• Language: English
• Keywords: Animals; Anoxia; Rabbits; Solubility; Vasoconstriction; Pulmonary Artery; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Male