Selective muscarinic alterations of nitric oxide-mediated relaxations by neointima

During neointima formation, which is an early and essential step in the development of atherosclerosis, endothelium-independent relaxations (nitroglycerin, 3-morpholinosydnonimine) are preserved, whereas muscarinic endothelium-dependent relaxation becomes impaired. The present study was undertaken to determine the selectivity of this impairment. The neointima was induced by positioning a nonocclusive, soft silicone collar around the left carotid artery of rabbits. The contralateral artery served as a control. Seven days later, vascular rings were mounted in organ chambers, contracted with phenylephrine (0.35 microM), and cumulative dose-relaxation curves were made. Intima-bearing vessels were less sensitive to acetylcholine, confirming the original observation. In contrast, the dose-relaxation curves for substance P and for the calcium ionophore A23187 were not altered in the presence of neointima. The curve for ATP was even shifted to the left. These results suggest that the nitric oxide synthase: cyclic GMP system remains intact in intima-bearing vessels and that the diminished endothelium-dependent relaxations are due to a selective alteration of the muscarinic receptors.