Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

A Method to Study the Correlation Between Local Collagen Structure and Mechanical Properties of Atherosclerotic Plaque Fibrous Tissue
13:45

A Method to Study the Correlation Between Local Collagen Structure and Mechanical Properties of Atherosclerotic Plaque Fibrous Tissue

Published on: November 11, 2022

Serotonin blockade protects against early microvascular constriction following atherosclerotic plaque rupture

Andrew J Taylor1, Alex Bobik, Michael C Berndt

  • 1Baker Heart Research Institute, Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Prahran, Melbourne 3181, Australia. andrew.taylor@baker.edu.au

European Journal of Pharmacology
|January 31, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Early microvascular constriction after atherosclerotic plaque rupture is mediated by serotonin. Blocking serotonin receptors with ritanserin normalized distal microvascular resistance, suggesting a protective effect against constriction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Vascular Pharmacology
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic plaque rupture can lead to acute microvascular dysfunction.
  • Serotonin and endothelin-1 are implicated as potential mediators of this microvascular response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of serotonin and endothelin-1 in early microvascular constriction following atherosclerotic plaque rupture.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of receptor antagonism in mitigating this constriction.

Main Methods:

  • Induction of atherosclerotic plaque rupture in rabbit hindlimb models.
  • Measurement of distal blood flow and microvascular resistance.
  • Administration of endothelin-1 receptor antagonists, serotonin receptor antagonists (ritanserin), and control vehicle.

Main Results:

  • Plaque rupture caused a significant reduction in distal flow and a marked increase in microvascular resistance.
  • Endothelin-1 receptor antagonism and control vehicle did not restore normal microvascular resistance.
  • Serotonin receptor antagonism with ritanserin effectively normalized distal microvascular resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Early microvascular constriction following atherosclerotic plaque rupture is primarily mediated by serotonin.
  • Targeting serotonin receptors, specifically with ritanserin, offers a protective strategy against post-rupture microvascular dysfunction.

More Related Videos

A Fibrin-Enriched and tPA-Sensitive Photothrombotic Stroke Model09:42

A Fibrin-Enriched and tPA-Sensitive Photothrombotic Stroke Model

Published on: June 4, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Vascular Spasm01:16

Vascular Spasm

The vascular phase, also known as vasospasm, is the initial stage of hemostasis, crucial for preventing excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. After a vessel is cut, nerves in the damaged area trigger pain and other sensory impulses. Simultaneously, the smooth muscles in the vessel wall contract, resulting in a vascular spasm. This contraction reduces the vessel's diameter at the injury site, slowing or stopping blood loss through the vessel wall. Vascular spasms typically last for...