[A vasoregulating function of the major vessels of the upper limbs in patients with vibration disease]

To investigate a vasoregulating function of the endothelium of the upper limbs' major arteries in patients with vibration disease (VD); to determine VD role in pathogenesis of vascular disorders.

A total of 54 VD men free of cardiovascular disease (age 42.4 +/- 0.98 years) with mean occupational local vibration contact 19.4 +/- 1.12 years entered the study. Diameter of the brachial and radial arteries and hemodynamics in them were measured with triplex scanning of the vessels. Hemodynamics in smaller vessels was examined with dopplerography. A vasoregulating function of vascular endothelium was assessed with a postocclusion test with reactive hyperemia, cold and nitroglycerin tests on sites distant from the sites exposed to vibration and close to such sites.

Abnormal endothelium-dependent responses at distal parts of the radial artery as marked vasoconstriction in the phase of ischemia and in response to cold, inhibition of systolic and volume speed of blood flow in reactive hyperemia were found. The strongest changes were seen in finger hand arteries. No disturbances of endothelium-independent reactions in nitroglycerin test were seen.

Vascular disturbances in the action of local vibration on the workers' hands are explained not only by systemic impacts but also by local disorders of endothelial function of hand vessels.