Vasoactivity of blood vessels using a novel isovolumic myograph

The vasoactivity of blood vessel is impaired by cardiovascular disease. The ex-vivo measurements of vasoactivity (wire and pressure myographs) have some inherent difficulties in the characterization of pharmacodynamics and biomechanics. Here, we introduce a novel isovolumic myograph which allows simultaneous measurement of both dynamic pressure and dimensional changes during vasoconstriction or vasodilation. The principle of the isovolumic myograph is based on the utility of a hydraulically closed system with low compliance such that contraction against an incompressible fluid increases the pressure with the closed system while dilation decreases it. We demonstrate the sensitivity and utility of the new technique by the response of elastic (carotid), muscular (femoral) arteries, and femoral veins. The results show characteristic dynamic pressure response for each vessel type. Furthermore, our results show a Hill-type equation for the tension-velocity relation for smooth muscles as well as characteristic curves for each contraction. These novel findings for blood vessels will advance our knowledge of endothelium and vascular smooth muscle mechanics and pharmacodynamics.