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Extracranial vasodilation mediated by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP).
Brain Research
|March 11, 1985
Summary
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) plays a key role in central neurogenic responses, mediating extracranial vasodilation. Blocking VIP transmission reveals its novel function in regulating blood flow from the brainstem.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
Background:
- Neurogenic extracranial vasodilation is a complex physiological response.
- The role of specific peptide transmitters in central neurogenic responses is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in mediating neurogenic extracranial vasodilation.
- To identify the efferent pathway involved in this vasodilatory response.
Main Methods:
- Pooled antisera to VIP were used to block vasodilation elicited by stimulating the locus coeruleus or pterygopalatine ganglion in cats.
- Control experiments included sham immune sera and antisera to bradykinin or substance P.
Main Results:
- VIP antisera effectively blocked neurogenic extracranial vasodilation.
- Sham sera, bradykinin antisera, and substance P antisera did not inhibit the vasodilation.
- The efferent pathway was identified as traversing the facial nerve, pterygopalatine ganglion, and otic ganglion.
Conclusions:
- Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide is a key mediator of central neurogenic extracranial vasodilation.
- This study demonstrates a novel action of a peptide transmitter in a central neurogenic response, highlighting VIP's role in regulating cerebrovascular tone.