Arterial wall mechanics and composition and the effects of smooth muscle activation

A comparison of passive mechanics and the effects of smooth muscle (SM) activation has been made in canine carotid and iliac arteries. Measurements of external diameter and axial force were made on isolated cylindrical segments in response to internal pressure variations. Data were obtained during maximal norepinephrine (NE) and potassium (K) activation, and following metabolic inhibition of SM. These data were used to determine wall tangential stress-strain relations. The maximum increase in wall stress after K and after NE was greater for the iliacs and occurred at smaller values of wall strain. Passive stress-strain curves for the iliacs were likewise shifted to smaller strains, suggesting an important role of passive wall elements in setting the length of contractile elements. Diameter responses to K at low values of pressure were the same for iliacs and carotids, but were better maintained at higher pressure levels for the iliacs. Similar findings were found for iliac responses to NE and K. The results suggest that at low values of wall stress, active diameter responses are not strongly dependent on the maximum isometric stress development. However, higher pressure-diameter responses are also determined by the force-generating capacity of SM.