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Coronary artery spasm in the rat induced by hypothalamic stimulation
Atherosclerosis
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Electrical stimulation of the brain or administration of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in rats caused coronary artery spasm, indicated by S-T segment elevation. This suggests AVP may play a role in neuroendocrine-induced cardiac events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Coronary artery spasm can lead to myocardial ischemia.
- The role of the neuroendocrine system in triggering coronary events is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of lateral hypothalamic stimulation on coronary artery dimensions.
- To determine if arginine vasopressin (AVP) mediates hypothalamic stimulation-induced coronary artery spasm.
Main Methods:
- Stereotactic surgery and electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus in rats.
- Intravenous administration of AVP as a separate experimental group.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring for S-T segment elevation.
- Coronary artery morphometry to assess luminal dimensions.
Main Results:
- Both hypothalamic stimulation and AVP administration induced S-T segment elevation.
- Significant reductions in coronary artery luminal diameter and cross-sectional area were observed in experimental groups compared to controls.
- Elevated plasma AVP levels were detected in hypothalamically-stimulated rats.
Conclusions:
- Hypothalamic stimulation and AVP administration can cause coronary artery spasm.
- AVP may be a key neuroendocrine factor involved in the induction of coronary artery spasm.