Abstract
In vivo determination of microvascular responses to hypertension in conscious rats
The FASEB journal, Vol.25, pp.681.6-681.6
04/2011
DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.681.6
Abstract
Here we describe an inexpensive, non‐invasive technique for studying vascular disease using the long posterior ciliary artery (LPCA, 30–60 μm lumen diameter) in the iris of albino rats. Repetitive images (resolution <1 ìm) of the same segment of the LPCA were taken over a 10‐week period in conscious normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY, n=10) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, n=10). Lumen diameter, wall thickness and wall to lumen (W/L) ratio of the LPCA were determined. Throughout the observation period lumen diameter of the LPCA was significantly smaller and W/L ratio larger in SHR than in WKY. Wall thickness was not different. Histomorphometric examination of the abdominal aorta also revealed a smaller lumen diameter and greater W/L ratio in SHR compared to WKY.
Corneal application of the muscarinic receptor agonist pilocarpine elicited a dose‐dependent vasodilation of the LPCA that could be antagonized dose‐dependently by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω‐Nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester, suggesting that the vasodilator response of pilocarpine is mainly mediated by endothelium‐derived nitric oxide. Pilocarpine‐induced vasodilation of the LPCA was greater in WKY than in SHR, confirming impaired endothelial function in SHR.
These findings indicate that in vivo imaging of the LPCA allows assessment of structural and functional microvascular parameters in conscious rats.
Grant Funding Source: American Heart Association
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- In vivo determination of microvascular responses to hypertension in conscious rats
- Creators
- Kevin R RarickHarald M StaussDarin J LarsonDiane L RotellaMichael G Anderson - The University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- The FASEB journal, Vol.25, pp.681.6-681.6
- Publisher
- Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
- DOI
- 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.681.6
- ISSN
- 0892-6638
- eISSN
- 1530-6860
- Number of pages
- 1
- Grant note
- American Heart Association
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/2011
- Academic Unit
- Health and Human Physiology; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Record Identifier
- 9984172264202771
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