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Role of endothelium in hypoxic contraction of canine basilar artery
Author(s) -
Elliott D.A.,
Ong B.Y.,
Bruni J.E.,
Bose D.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1989.tb11906.x
Subject(s) - contraction (grammar) , endothelium , basilar artery , acetylcholine , muscle contraction , hypoxia (environmental) , chemistry , endocrinology , medicine , vasodilation , muscle relaxation , anesthesia , anatomy , oxygen , organic chemistry
1 Reversible contraction of canine basilar artery, produced by hypoxia, persisted after mechanical and chemical removal of the endothelium. The removal of endothelium was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy as well as by the abolition or reversal of the relaxant response to acetylcholine or arginine 8 ‐vasopressin. 2 Hydroquinone, believed to block selectively endothelium‐mediated relaxation, also preferentially attenuated hypoxic contractions even in the absence of endothelium but did not reduce responses to 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) or high external potassium. 3 Contractions induced by red blood cell haemolysate, which occur independently of the endothelium, were also selectively attenuated by hydroquinone. 4 Contractions caused by hypoxia were inhibited by pretreatment with adenosine or by its application after contraction had developed. 5 Hypoxic contraction in canine basilar artery may result partly from a direct effect on smooth muscle as well as through the endothelium. 6 Hydroquinone may have an additional locus of action in smooth muscle cells besides its well known effect on the endothelium.