[In vitro study of endothelium-dependent relaxation and contraction of human atherosclerotic femoral artery].

According to present knowledge, altered arterial reactivity associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia is related to impaired release of endothelial derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Impaired relaxation followed by enhanced vasoconstriction leads to a well known clinical entities such as unstable angina, acut myocardial infarction. Impairment of EDRF may also account for smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. Aim of present study was to examine the endothelial dependent response during in vitro conditions in human femoral arteries taken from bypass operation and leg amputation. Examining the contractility, the effect was modulated with nifedipin, EDTA and pertussis toxin, respectively. Endothelium dependent relaxation to acethylcholin and histamine were markedly diminished, while those to calcium ionophore were maintained throughout the study. These results suggest that at least two or more receptor-coupled system may be involved in generation of EDRF. However, direct relaxation of femoral artery to nitrovasodilatators (nitroglycerine) were comparable between control and atherosclerotic artery. Another striking change in atherosclerotic artery was the increased sensitivity to the vasoconstrictions. To eluciadate to exact biochemical mechanism underlying the endothelial dysfunction may help to develop a new vasodilatator drug.