Transient focal cerebral ischemia induces long-term cerebral vasculature dysfunction in a rodent experimental stroke model.

Constriction and dilation of large arteries of brain regulates cerebral vascular resistance and cerebral microvascular pressure, which play key roles in regulation of cerebral circulation. We investigated the effect of ischemic stroke on vascular reactivity of middle cerebral artery (MCA) using a rat transient focal cerebral ischemia model. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by 1 hour MCA occlusion followed by reperfusion.

Alpha-adrenergic and neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor control of collateral circuit conductance: influence of exercise training.

This study evaluated the role of alpha-adrenergic receptor- and neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in the collateral circuit of the hind limb. Animals were evaluated either the same day (Acute) or 3 weeks following occlusion of the femoral artery; the 3-week animals were in turn limited to cage activity (Sed) or given daily exercise (Trained). Collateral-dependent blood flows (BFs) were measured during exercise with microspheres before and after alpha-receptor inhibition (phentolamine) and then NPY Y1 receptor inhibition (BIBP 3226) at the same running speed.

Catamenial appendicitis.

Background: Reproductive-aged women undergoing appendectomy for suspected appendicitis have twice the rate of negative histology as age-matched men. The reason for this discrepancy is unknown.

Cases: Three patients with peritoneal endometriosis and recurrent symptoms of acute appendicitis coincident with menses underwent resection of a noninflamed appendix with long-term symptom resolution.

Alpha-adrenergic inhibition increases collateral circuit conductance in rats following acute occlusion of the femoral artery.

This study evaluated whether alpha-adrenergic activation contributes to collateral circuit vascular resistance in the hindlimb following acute unilateral occlusion of the femoral artery in rats. Blood pressures (BPs) were measured above (caudal artery) and below (distal femoral artery) the collateral circuit. Arterial BPs were reduced (15-35 mmHg) with individual (prazosin, rauwolscine) or combined (phentolamine) alpha-receptor inhibition.

Endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation in the forelimb and hindlimb vasculatures of swine.

Limb differences in endothelial function exist between arm and leg vasculatures of humans. The current investigation tested the hypothesis that forelimb and hindlimb vasorelaxation are similar in the absence of limb differences in blood pressure. Conduit arteries (brachials/femorals) and second order arterioles were harvested from 22 miniature Yucatan swine.

Role of nitric oxide in exercise sympatholysis.

The production of nitric oxide is the putative mechanism for the attenuation of sympathetic vasoconstriction (sympatholysis) in working muscles during exercise. We hypothesized that nitric oxide synthase blockade would eliminate the reduction in alpha-adrenergic-receptor responsiveness in exercising skeletal muscle. Ten mongrel dogs were instrumented chronically with flow probes on the external iliac arteries of both hindlimbs and a catheter in one femoral artery.

Do P2X purinergic receptors regulate skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise?

Although there is evidence that sympathetic nerves release ATP as a neurotransmitter to produce vasoconstriction via P2X purinergic receptors, the role of these receptors in the regulation of blood flow to exercising skeletal muscle has yet to be determined. We hypothesized that there is tonic P2X receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in exercising skeletal muscle. To test this hypothesis, the effect of P2X receptor blockade on skeletal muscle blood flow was examined in six exercising mongrel dogs.