TNFalpha and IL-1beta exert no direct vasoactivity in human isolated resistance arteries

The proinflammatory cytokines TNFalpha and IL-1beta are thought to play a role in the mechanism of septic vasodilatory shock. Most evidence indicate that the vascular effects these cytokines are mediated through increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, whereas several animal studies report a more rapid vasorelaxant effect. We studied the direct vascular effects of TNFalpha and IL-1beta in human isolated resistance arteries (n=9) using a microvascular myograph. After precontraction with noradrenaline or a depolarising high potassium solution, TNFalpha and IL-1beta (up to 10(-8) M, alone or in combination) did not exert any relevant vasoactive effect. We conclude that, in contrast with some animal experiments, these cytokines exert no direct vasoactivity in human resistance arteries.