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Nitric oxide and vascular reactivity in developing zebrafish, Danio rerio
R Fritsche1, T Schwerte, B Pelster
1Department of Zoophysiology, University of Göteborg, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. R.Fritsche@zool.gu.se
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) influences zebrafish larval blood vessel diameter. Blocking NO with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester altered epinephrine
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vascular tone regulation in early development is not fully understood.
- The role of nitric oxide (NO) and catecholamines in larval vasculature requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of nitric oxide (NO) and epinephrine on zebrafish larval arterial and venous vasculature.
- To elucidate the mechanisms regulating vascular tone in the absence of autonomic innervation.
Main Methods:
- Digital motion analysis video techniques were employed.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect NO synthase.
- Zebrafish embryos were treated with NO donors, NO synthesis inhibitors, and epinephrine.
Main Results:
- Nitric oxide (NO) donors increased, while NO synthesis inhibitors decreased, both arterial and venous vessel diameters.
- Epinephrine alone had no effect on arterial diameter, but potentiated NO inhibition-induced vasoconstriction.
- NO synthase immunoreactivity was observed in the endothelial cells of the dorsal vein.
Conclusions:
- Endogenously produced NO significantly influences zebrafish larval arterial and venous vasculature.
- Vascular tone in larval zebrafish is regulated by a complex interplay of locally produced vasoactive substances.
- These findings suggest a pre-innervation mechanism for vascular tone control in developing zebrafish.