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Relationship between flow rate and NO production in postnatal mesenteric arteries
K M Reber1, G M Mager, C E Miller
1Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University and The Vascular Biology Laboratory, Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA. reberk@pediatrics.ohio-state.edu
American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
|December 21, 2000
Summary
Young swine mesentery produces more nitric oxide (NO) at higher flow rates than older swine. This flow-dependent NO release in young animals requires phosphorylation events.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Vascular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in regulating vascular tone and blood flow.
- Understanding the developmental changes in NO production is essential for comprehending cardiovascular health in neonates and adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between perfusate flow rate and nitric oxide (NO) release in swine mesenteric arteries at different developmental stages.
- To elucidate the mechanisms, including signaling pathways, underlying flow-induced NO production.
Main Methods:
- Mesenteric arterial arcades from 3- and 35-day-old swine were perfused under controlled flow conditions.
- Nitric oxide (NO) levels in the mesenteric effluent were measured.
- Pharmacological agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, NO synthase inhibitors, and phosphatase inhibitors, were used to probe signaling pathways.
- Calcium (Ca2+) manipulation was performed to assess its role.
Main Results:
- Basal NO production was significantly higher in 3-day-old swine compared to 35-day-old swine.
- A direct relationship between flow rate and NO production was observed in young swine but not in older swine.
- Flow-induced NO production was attenuated by tyrosine kinase and NO synthase inhibitors and enhanced by a phosphatase inhibitor in young swine.
- Calcium ions did not appear to play a direct role in flow-induced NO production.
Conclusions:
- Basal and flow-dependent nitric oxide (NO) production differs significantly between young and adult swine mesenteric vasculature.
- Phosphorylation events are critical for the flow-mediated regulation of NO production in developing swine.
- These findings highlight developmental adaptations in vascular signaling pathways regulating NO bioavailability.