Evaluation of vascular compliance and vasoconstrictive reactions in amputated hindlimbs of rats

The vascular compliance and the contractility of vascular smooth muscle of preserved, amputated hindlimbs of rats were evaluated using a fresh blood extracorporeal circulatory system. Vascular compliance was measured under physiologic circulatory conditions (blood pressure of the amputated limb was maintained at 80-150 mm Hg [10-20 kPa]) and found not to differ significantly from that of freshly amputated limbs after storage at 4 degrees C for 12 hours. However, after more than 24 hours of storage at 4 degrees C, the vascular compliance decreased significantly (p < 0.01). To evaluate the contractility of vascular smooth muscle, the arterial blood pressure in the amputated limbs was transiently increased with injections of norepinephrine. The contractility could be preserved for at least 12 hours at 4 degrees C; however, it decreased markedly after more than 24 hours. The vascular compliance and vasoconstrictive reactions of the amputated limbs were maintained for at least 12 hours at 4 degrees C.