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[Vascular reflex in microcirculation of hamster cheek pouch model]
1Department of Pharmacology, Kanagawa Dental College.
Kanagawa Shigaku. the Journal of the Kanagawa Odontological Society
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Vascular reflexes in hamster cheek pouches show that small arteries dilate with increased temperature and constrict with decreased temperature. These reflexes, influenced by pH and potentially parasympathetic nerves, demonstrate microvessel sensitivity to environmental changes.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Vascular Biology
- Microcirculation
Context:
- The hamster cheek pouch is a well-established model for studying microvascular responses.
- Understanding vascular reflexes is crucial for diagnosing and treating circulatory disorders.
Purpose:
- To investigate the vascular reflex responses of hamster cheek pouch microvessels to changes in temperature and pH.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these vascular reflexes, including potential neural pathways.
Summary:
- Small arteries in the hamster cheek pouch exhibited temperature-dependent diameter changes, dilating at higher temperatures (up to 45°C) and constricting at lower temperatures (down to 14°C).
- pH variations also induced dose-dependent responses, with significant changes observed between pH 7.0-8.5 and 7.0-5.85.
- Stimulation of one cheek pouch induced a delayed vascular response in the contralateral pouch, suggesting a long-path reflex, partly mediated by parasympathetic nerves, as evidenced by inhibition with atropine.
- Microvessel sensitivity followed the order: small artery > arteriole > terminal arteriole for temperature, and arteriole = terminal arteriole > arteriole for pH.
Impact:
- This study provides novel insights into the neurovascular regulation of microcirculation.
- Findings contribute to the understanding of how environmental factors like temperature and pH influence vascular tone.
- The identification of a parasympathetic pathway in these reflexes opens avenues for therapeutic interventions in vascular diseases.
