Dorsal aortic impedance in stage 24 chick embryo following acute changes in circulating blood volume

The effects of acute changes in circulating blood volume on embryonic vascular hemodynamics were evaluated with the use of input impedance. We simultaneously measured dorsal aortic pressure with a servo-null system and flow velocity with a 20-MHz pulsed Doppler system in n = 90 stage 24 chick embryos. We withdrew or infused 1,3, or 5 microliters of blood via a second-order vitelline vein (n = 10 per group). In addition, we withdrew and then infused or infused and then withdrew 3 microliters (n = 5 per group). Characteristic impedance, peripheral resistance, arterial compliance and elastance, and hydraulic power as well as basic hemodynamic parameters were evaluated on the basis of the three-element windkessel model. In response to withdrawal, mean and pulse pressure, mean flow, arterial compliance, and hydraulic power decreased, whereas peripheral resistance and arterial elastance increased in a dose-dependent manner. Results in response to infusion were converse in effect. Characteristic impedance was unchanged by volume alternations. Oscillatory fraction of hydraulic power was higher than mature circulation and remained relatively constant during interventions, which indicates well-regulated energy efficiency for vascular growth in the embryonic circulation. A hysteresis relevant to altered peripheral resistance was present after multiple interventions. Embryonic vasculature is sensitive to circulating blood volume and preserve blood pressure at the expense of blood flow. In the absence of autonomic innervation, embryonic vascular tone may be regulated by mechanical properties of the vessel (the law of Laplace) and/or vasoactive substances.