Inhibition of phospholipase A2 attenuates functional hyperemia in the hamster cremaster muscle

Arachidonic acid (AA) is the common precursor for several vasodilatory factors involved in the local control of blood flow. This study was designed to determine the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and AA release in functional hyperemia in the hamster cremaster muscle. The muscle was prepared for in vivo microscopy and subjected to electrical field stimulation for 1 min. First- and second-order arterioles dilated in response from a mean diameter of 66 +/- 5 to 88 +/- 7 micrometer (n = 6). PLA2 was then inhibited with quinacrine (3 x 10(-6) M) for 60 min. PLA2 inhibition was verified by an attenuation of thrombin-induced vasodilation (2 U/ml). Quinacrine had no effect on resting arteriolar diameter but completely abolished functional hyperemia. Quinacrine also had no effect on dilation induced by superfusion of the preparation with 3 x 10(-6)-10(-5) M AA, 10(-6)-10(-4) M adenosine, or 10(-6)-10(-4) M sodium nitroprusside, ruling out nonspecific effects of quinacrine on smooth muscle contractility. These results indicate that functional hyperemia in the hamster cremaster muscle is dependent on PLA2 activation and the availability of AA.