Reductions in arterial diameter produced by chronic decreases in blood flow are endothelium-dependent
BL Langille, F O'Donnell - Science, 1986 - science.org
BL Langille, F O'Donnell
Science, 1986•science.orgA 70 percent reduction in the rate of blood flow through the common carotid artery in rabbits
caused a 21 percent decrease in the diameter of this artery within 2 weeks. The smooth
muscle relaxant papaverine did not attenuate the response; therefore, such reductions in
diameter probably reflect a structural modification of the arterial wall rather than sustained
contraction of smooth muscle. This arterial response to reduced blood flow was abolished
when the endothelium was removed from the vessels. It appears that the endothelium is …
caused a 21 percent decrease in the diameter of this artery within 2 weeks. The smooth
muscle relaxant papaverine did not attenuate the response; therefore, such reductions in
diameter probably reflect a structural modification of the arterial wall rather than sustained
contraction of smooth muscle. This arterial response to reduced blood flow was abolished
when the endothelium was removed from the vessels. It appears that the endothelium is …
A 70 percent reduction in the rate of blood flow through the common carotid artery in rabbits caused a 21 percent decrease in the diameter of this artery within 2 weeks. The smooth muscle relaxant papaverine did not attenuate the response; therefore, such reductions in diameter probably reflect a structural modification of the arterial wall rather than sustained contraction of smooth muscle. This arterial response to reduced blood flow was abolished when the endothelium was removed from the vessels. It appears that the endothelium is essential for the compensatory arterial response to long-term changes in luminal blood flow rates.
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