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Mechanical alterations in sensitized canine saphenous vein
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Antigen sensitization alters canine saphenous veins, increasing their shortening capacity and initial contraction speed. These changes in vascular smooth muscle suggest broader sensitization beyond airways.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Physiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Antigen sensitization is often studied in airway smooth muscle.
- The hypothesis that sensitization affects other tissues, like vascular smooth muscle, needs investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if saphenous veins from pollen extract-sensitized dogs are sensitized and mechanically altered.
- To investigate antigen-induced responses and mechanical properties of sensitized venous smooth muscle.
Main Methods:
- Studied responses to specific antigen challenge in sensitized (SSV) and control (CSV) canine saphenous veins.
- Assessed length-tension and force-velocity relationships.
- Measured mediators of the Schultz-Dale response.
Main Results:
- Venous smooth muscle showed strong sensitization, developing a Schultz-Dale response mediated by histamine and norepinephrine.
- Sensitized veins had greater maximum isotonic shortening capacity (0.613 lo vs. 0.578 lo).
- Early unloaded shortening velocity (Vo) was significantly higher in SSV (0.316 lo/s vs. 0.269 lo/s at 5s).
Conclusions:
- Canine saphenous veins are sensitized by pollen extract exposure.
- Sensitization enhances venous smooth muscle's shortening capacity and cross-bridge cycling rate.
- These findings indicate antigen sensitization impacts vascular tissues beyond the airways.