Interleukin (IL)-6 has been implicated as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of hypertension, although the mechanisms involved are unclear. Studies conducted in vitro suggest that IL-6 may have a direct effect on vascular tone and may modulate constrictor responses to agonists. Whether this effect can be observed in vivo is unknown. Therefore, mice were treated with either IL-6 (16 ng/h ...

In young healthy humans full expression of reflex cutaneous vasodilation is dependent on cyclooxygenase (COX)- and nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent mechanisms. Chronic low-dose aspirin therapy attenuates reflex cutaneous vasodilation potentially through both platelet and vascular COX-dependent mechanisms. We hypothesized the contribution of COX-dependent vasodilators to reflex cutaneous va...

Reperfusion of ischaemic intestine is characterised by an initial hyperaemia with ensuing mucosal repair. This study investigated possible roles for gut vasoactive neuropeptides and trophic peptides in these phenomena. Groups of rats were monitored during superior mesenteric artery occlusion for five or 20 minutes, with or without subsequent reperfusion for five minutes. Peptide concentrations ...

The lungs of broilers are constantly challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) that can activate leukocytes and trigger thromboxane A2 (TxA2)- and serotonin (5HT)-mediated pulmonary vasoconstriction leading to pulmonary hypertension. Among broilers from a single genetic line, some individuals respond to LPS with large increases in pulmonary arterial pressure, whereas others fail to ex...