BACKGROUND Coronary spasm may be caused by endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle hyperreactivity, or both. We aimed to determine the relative role of endothelial dysfunction and vascular smooth muscle hyperreactivity in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm in the swine model in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS In Göttingen miniature pigs given a high cholesterol diet, a segment of the...

This study assessed the effect of metformin treatment on insulin, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and endothelial function in insulin-resistant (IR) rats. In addition, we assessed the direct effect of metformin in vitro. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to control (n=28) or IR (n=28) groups. Rats were further randomized to receive metformin (300 mg/kg) or placebo for 2 weeks. MAP and insulin w...

Background. Coronary spasm may be caused by endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle hyperreactivity, or both. We aimed to determine the relative role of endothelial dysfunction and vascular smooth muscle hyperreactivity in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm in the swine model in vivo. Methods and Results. In G6ttingen miniature pigs given a high cholesterol diet, a segment of the...

Epicardial application of nicotine (200 micrograms/ml) over the left ventricle or occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in lightly anaesthetised cats resulted a biphasic change in rectal motility-initial relaxation followed by contraction along with biphasic changes of blood pressure (B.P.) with epicardial nicotine and only hypotension with LAD occlusion. Desensitisati...

Institute of Exact Science, Federal University of Alfenas – UNIFAL, CEP 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil Department of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, Federal University of São Carlos – UFSCar, CEP 18052-780, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil Alan G. MacDiarmid Institute for Innovation and Business, National Nanotechnology Laboratory for Agribusiness – LNNA, Embrapa Agricultural Instrumentation, São Carlo...

Nitrergic nerves are structurally and functionally associated with ICC. To further understand mechanisms of communication, the hypothesis was investigated that NO might affect large conductance K channels. To that end, we searched for IbTX-sensitive currents in ICC obtained through explant cultures from the mouse small intestine and studied effects of the NOS inhibitor omega N-nitro-L-arginine ...

Abandonment of the taken-for-granted attitude territoriality in studies state space has been followed by diverse concerns and competing interpretations with different focuses notably on state–market relations, spatiality social life, relativization scale. Inspired Lefebvre’s spatial triad, applied textual analysis, in-depth interview, this study critically evaluates Chinese practices setting up...

AIM The sphincter of Oddi (SO) plays an important role in delivery of bile into the duodenum. To establish whether vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO) were involved in phasic contractile activity of the rabbit SO stimulated by cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8). METHODS Isolated SO muscle rings were cleaned of fat and mounted horizontally on two small L-shaped hooks...

OBJECTIVES The aim of study was to determine the renal effects of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in a hypertensive nephropathy rat model. BACKGROUND GLUT4 has been implicated in insulin resistance and hypertension in several animal models; however its role in hypertensive nephropathy still remains unclear. METHODS Hypertensive nephropathy was induced by Nω-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), a nitric ...

We previously reported that combined blockade of adenosine receptors and ATP-sensitive K+ channels (K+(ATP) channels) blunted but did not abolish the response of coronary blood flow to exercise. This study tested the hypothesis that the residual increase in coronary flow in response to exercise after adenosine receptor and K+(ATP) channel blockade is dependent on endogenous NO. Dogs were studie...