Vasopressin-induced constriction of the isolated rat occipital artery is segment dependent.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Circulating factors delivered to the nodose ganglion (NG) by the occipital artery (OA) have been shown to affect vagal afferent activity, and thus the contractile state of the OA may influence blood flow to the NG.

Methods

OA were isolated and bisected into proximal and distal segments relative to the external carotid artery.

Results

Bisection highlighted stark differences between maximal contractile responses and OA sensitivity. Specifically, maximum responses to vasopressin and the V1 receptor agonist were significantly higher in distal than proximal segments. Distal segments were significantly more sensitive to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the 5-HT2 receptor agonist than proximal segments. Angiotensin II (AT)2, V2 and 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor agonists did

SUBMITTER: Chelko SP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3942879 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature