Differential Vasoreactivity to the Thromboxane A ₂ Mimic U-46619 of Collateral and Normal Peripheral Blood Vessels in in situ Perfused Rat Hindquarters

Abstract

In situ perfusion of rat hindquarters was performed through both iliac arteries. Perfusion pressures were measured concomitantly in the normal vascular bed and in the ligation-induced collateral bed of the left and right hindleg, respectively. An increased vasoconstrictive response of the collateral versus normal blood vessels was found after bolus injections of increasing concentrations of the thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) mimic U-46619. This increased reactivity was related to a difference in vascular structure and in receptor-mediated sensitivity. The vasoconstrictive effect of U-46619 was dose-dependently inhibited by the combined TXA₂synthetase inhibitor-TXA₂/prostaglandin endoperoxide (PGH2) receptor antagonist ridogrel and the single TXA₂/PGH₂ receptor antagonist sulotroban. Selective blockade of α₁- α₂,-, β₁- β₂ and S₂-receptors, cyclooxygenase inhibition, TXA₂ synthesis inhibition, amine depletion and amine uptake blockade had no influence on the vasoconstrictive action of U-46619. Ca²⁺ entry blockade by flunarizine and nifedipine significantly reduced the vasoconstriction. This study shows that (1) rat peripheral collaterals in relation to normal arterial blood vessels are significantly more reactive to TXA₂; (2) the vasoconstrictive effect of U-46619 is mediated predominantly by TXA₂/PGH₂ receptors; (3) the activation of these receptors elicits indirectly transmembrane Ca²⁺ entry to trigger vasoconstriction.