Stimulation and blockade of cholinergic receptors in terminal liver microcirculation in rats

This study was designed to establish the existence of cholinergic vascular receptors in the terminal portion of the rat liver microcirculation. The liver microcirculation was observed in vivo by a transillumination technique through a television microscope. The changes in the caliber of the liver sinusoids were measured directly on the television screen. Infusion of the parasympathetic neurotransmitter acetylcholine into the portal venous circulation caused a concentration-dependent dilation of liver sinusoids. Similar dilatation effects were observed for other cholinergic receptor agonists. Atropine, the specific cholinergic receptor blocker, inhibited this dilator effect, displacing the acetylcholine concentration-effect curve to the right. In contrast, physostigmine, the cholinesterase inhibitor, caused displacement of the curve to the left. In conclusion, cholinergic receptors are present in the terminal portion of the liver microcirculation, subserving the functional role of vasodilatation.