Spontaneous activity of rat portal vein at normal and elevated hydrostatic pressure

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the spontaneous contractile activity of isolated rat portal veins were studied. During compression, an increase of activity was seen, whereas stable elevated hydrostatic pressure gave a decrease of both frequency and time-integrated force. Decompression further reduced the activity, but all changes were reversible upon return to control pressure. During sustained high pressure the frequency of contractions was reduced by 15.9% at 25 atm, 26.4% at 50 atm, and 45.8% at 100 atm. The corresponding reductions in integrated active force were 13.7%, 16.7%, and 40.7%, respectively. Contractions caused by electrical stimulation of nerve endings left in the preparation were reduced by 44.1%, and potassium contractures were reduced by only 15.3% at 100 atm. It is concluded that inhibition of activity in rat portal vein at high hydrostatic pressure is due in part to effects on the smooth muscle membrane.