Critical closing pressure in the fetal vessel of the human placenta in vitro. II. Compared effects of a beta adrenergic substance, Salbutamol, on the critical closing pressure and vascular resistance.

Salbutamol effects upon the fetal vessels of the human placenta were studied in vitro, comparing the changes induced upon the critical closing pressure (CCP) and viscous resistance (R). Four normal full-term placentas were used. In each of them, 4 cotyledonary areas were perfused, thus obtaining a total of 16 measurements for the observation of spontaneous variations (blank), by perfusion with Krebs solution, and the same amount for the variations due to Salbutamol. The concentration used was 10 microgram/ml, with a 4.25 ml/min flow. The relative effect of Salbutamol upon CCP was its decrease--30.4% against a relative spontaneous variation of --3.6%. The mean relative effect upon R was much lower, --9.4%. against a mean relative spontaneous variation of + 3.3%. The advantages of using CCP instead of R as a parameter of vascular contractility are discussed. Furthermore, Salbutamol is suggested to be useful in improving fetal placental circulation.