Role of myosin-light-chain kinase in biphasic contractile activity of lymphatics isolated from hemorrhagic shock rats

AIM: To elucidate the mechanism by which myosin-light-chain kinase (MLCK) modulates the biphasic contractile activity of lymphatics isolated from the rats subject to hemorrhagic shock (HS). METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomiz to control group and HS group. In HS group, the rats were subject to HS and then further divided into HS 0 h, 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h and 3 h subgroups. Thoracic ducts of control and shock rats were isolated and used to determine the protein levels of phosphorylated MLCK (p-MLCK). In addition, thoracic ducts obtained from control, 0.5 h- and 2 h-shocked rats were used to observe the contractile properties of lymphatics by a pressure myograph in vitro . Lymphatic rings were prepared and incubated with ML-7 (a specific inhibitor of MLCK) or substance P (SP, an agonist of MLCK). During the experiment, the contractile frequency (CF), end-diastolic diameter, end-systolic diameter and passive diameter in Ca²⁺-free PSS buffer were measured and used to calculate the lymphatic tonic index (TI), contractile amplitude (CA) and fractional pump flow (FPF) as the indexes of lymphatic contraction activity. RESULTS: The levels of p-MLCK in lymphatics in 0 h- and 0.5 h-shocked rats were significantly increased compared with the control rats, and it was gradually decreased with the development of shock. The values of CF, TI and FPF in 0.5 h-shocked lymphatics were significantly increased at transmural pressure of 1, 3 and 5 cmH₂O compared with those in control group, and significantly blunted by ML-7. SP obviously increased the suppressive effects induced by ML-7 and restored the values of CF, TI and FPF to the levels of HS 0.5 h group. CF, TI and FPF in 2 h-shocked lymphatics significantly declined under different transmural pressure as compared with those in control group, and significantly elevated by SP. Similarly, ML-7 depressed the effects of SP. No significant difference was found in CA between 0.5 h- and 2 h-shocked lymphatics. SP decreased the CA of lymphatics obtained from 2 h-shocked rats and this effect was suppressed by ML-7. However, both agents had no effects on CA of 0.5 h-shocked lymphatics. CONCLUSION: MLCK, as an essential enzyme that influences the contraction of lymphatic smooth muscle cells, involves in the modulation of biphasic changes of lymphatic contractile activity during the process of HS.     

Role of nitric oxide in reactivity of isolated lymphatics to substance P in shock rats

AIM: To observe the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the reactivity of isolated lymphatics to substance P (SP),which presents a biphasic change, in the hemorrhagic shock (HS) rats with the technique of lymphatic perfusion in vitro. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (surgical procedure only) and shock group (the rats were further divided into shock 0.5 h and shock 2 h groups after the HS model was established). A segment of lymphatics was pressed and perfused in vitro at transmural pressure of 3 cmH₂O after thoracic ducts were separated from the rats at the corresponding time points in each group. The lymphatics of shock 0.5 h and shock 2 h were incubated with different drugs for changing the activity of No and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), respectively. The end-systolic diameter, end-diastolic diameter, contraction frequency (CF) and passive diameter of isolated lymphatics were measured, while the contraction amplitude (CA), tonic index (TI) and fractional pump flow (FPF) were calculated after stimulated with gradient SP. Different values between pre-and post-administration of SP in CF, CA, TI and FPF were calculated and expressed as ΔCF, ΔTI, ΔCA and ΔFPF for further assessing the reactivity of lymphatics. RESULTS: NO donor L-Arg reduced ΔCF, ΔTI and ΔFPF of 0.5 h-shocked lymphatics treated with different concentrations of SP. The effect of L-Arg was obviously suppressed by a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ. ΔCF, ΔTI and ΔFPF increased strikingly compared with shock 0.5 h+L-Arg group in the presence of SP at certain concentration, and ΔCF and ΔFPF increased remarkably compared with control group. NOS inhibitor L-NAME elevated ΔCF, ΔTI and ΔFPF of 2 h-shocked lymphatics treated with different concentrations of SP and the manifestation of lymphatics exceeded the values of control levels. In the experiment of 2 h-shocked lymphatics treated with L-NAME+phosphodiesterase inhibitor aminophylline (AP), the effect of L-NAME was suppressed significantly, which manifested by the decrease in ΔCF, ΔTI and ΔFPF as compared with the values of shock 2 h+L-NAME group in the presence of SP at the concentrations of 1×10^-8 mol/L and 3×10^-8 mol/L. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that NO involves in the biphasic modulation of shocked lymphatics and the effect might be involved in the action of cyclic guanosine monophosphate.     

Estrogen treatment enhances mesenteric lymphatic contractility in rats after hemorrhagic shock

AIM To investigate the effects of 17β-estradiol （E2） treatment on the mesenteric lymphatic microcirculation and isolated lymphatic contractility in rats after hemorrhagic shock, and to explore the relationship between contractility and the difference between intra- and extracellular calcium ion concentrations （［Ca²⁺］） of lymphatic smooth muscle cells （LSMCs）. METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into sham group, shock group and shock+E2 group. The rats were subjected to hemorrhage ［（40±2） mmHg for 90 min］ and resuscitation with or without subcutaneous injection of E2 （2 mg/kg）. After resuscitation for 3 h, the mesenteric lymphatic microcirculation in vivo was observed. Moreover, the isolated mesenteric microlymphatic rings were prepared for the observations of lymphatic contractility evaluated by the indexes including end-systolic diameter, end-diastolic diameter, contraction frequency （CF） and passive diameter. Meanwhile, the difference between intra- and extracellular ［Ca²⁺］ of LSMCs was recorded during lymphatic contraction. RESULTS Treatment with E2 significantly enhanced the CF, total contractile fraction and lymphatic dynamics index in vivo in the rats after hemorrhagic shock, and increased the CF, the fractional pump flow and the difference between intra- and extracellular ［Ca²⁺］ of LSMCs in isolated lymphatics from the shocked rats （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION Estrogen treatment enhances lymphatic contractility in rats after hemorrhagic shock, which is related to enhancement of difference between intra- and extracellular ［Ca²⁺］ of LSMCs.     

Changes of lymphatic vessel response to norepinephrine in hemorrhagic shock rats

AIM: To observe the changes of lymphatic vessel response to norepinephrine (NE) in hemorrhagic shock (HS) rats, and to explore the role of lymphatic reactivity in the pathogenesis of shock. METHODS: The lymphatic vessel pressure was observed through intubating into abdomen thoracic duct in 8 rats in sham group and HS group (which was bled from femoral artery until the mean arterial pressure to 40 mmHg). The changes of lymphatic vessel pressure response to NE at different time points were observed by injection of NE (5 μg/kg) through femoral vein. The spontaneous contraction frequency (F), maximal contraction diameter (a), maximal diastolic diameter (b) and static diameter (c) of mesenteric lymphatic (ML) living samples in 8 rats of each group were recorded through microcirculation video systems continuously. The changes of lymphatic fractional contraction index (index I), total contractile activity index (index II) and lymphatic dynamic index (LD-index) (to show the value using △F, △index I, △indexⅡ, △LD-index) were calculated after injection of NE at different time points. RESULTS: The changes of lymphatic boosting pressure response to NE in HS group was started to diminish 30 min after shock, and showed a progressive decreasing trend which significantly reduced than that in sham group at all time points of shock 1 h-3 h. In HS group, the △F, △indexⅡ, △LD-index at shock 1 h, the △F, △index I, △indexⅡ, △LD-index at shock 1.5 h and 2 h were significantly lower than those in sham group, and the △F, △index I, △indexⅡ, △LD-index at all time points were significantly decreased as compared to the values of pre-shock. CONCLUSION: Lymphatic vessel reactivity in shock rats is progressive declined in the process of hemorrhagic shock. The lymphatic vessel hypo-reactivity might play an important role in the pathogenesis of shock.     

Mechanism of calcium sensitivity in lymphatic hypo-reactivity in hemorrhagic shock rats

AIM: To observe the changes of lymphatic reactivity to norepinephrine (NE) and calcium sensitivity in vitro in hemorrhagic shock (HS) rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham group (with only operation), HS group (duplicating HS model, and divided into shock 1 h and shock 2 h subgroups). The thoracic duct rings (n=48 in each group) were prepared for assaying the lymphatic reactivity to NE and calcium sensitivity by lymphatic tension measurement technique in vitro with isolated perfusion system. Meanwhile, the effects of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) and insulin (Ins) on lymphatic reactivity were also observed. RESULTS: Compared with sham group, the NE concentration-response curves in HS 1 h and HS 2 h groups, and calcium concentration-response curves in HS 2 h group were obviously shifted to right. The lymphatic reactivity to NE, contraction to calcium, maximum effect(E_max)and avidity index (pD₂) were markedly reduced. In HS group, after incubating with calcium sensitizer Ang Ⅱ, the lymphatic reactivity to NE and calcium sensitivity were significantly increased but reduced in sham group. However, calcium sensitivity inhibitor Ins decreased the lymphatic contractile response to NE and Ca²⁺. CONCLUSION: The lymphatic hypo-reactivity in hemorrhagic shock rats is related to calcium desensitization, indicating a mechanism of lymphatic hypo-contraction.     

Blockage of mesenteric lymph return promotes the vascular reactivity and calcium sensitivity in hemorrhagic shock rats

AIM: To observe the effects of mesenteric lymph duct ligation and mesenteric lymph drainage on the vascular reactivity and calcium sensitivity in hemorrhagic shock (HS) rats, and to investigate the role of mesenteric lymph on the vascular hyporeactivity during shock. METHODS: Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham group (only operation), shock (duplicating HS model) group, shock+ligation group (duplicating HS model and mesenteric lymph duct ligation) and shock+drainage group (duplicating HS model and mesenteric lymph drainage). The changes of mean artery pressure (MAP) after injection of norepinephrine (NE, 3 μg/kg) at different time points were recorded. After hypotension (40 mmHg) for 3 h, the vascular ring of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was made for determining the vascular reactivity and sensitivity to calcium by observing the contraction initiated by NE and Ca²⁺ under depolarizing conditions (120 mmol/L K⁺) in the isolated organ perfusion system. Meanwhile, the effects of angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ) and insulin (Ins) on the vascular reactivity were also observed. RESULTS: Compared to sham group, the △MAP in shock group was increased significantly at 0 h and 0.5 h after shock, and that was decreased markedly at 1.5 h, 2 h, 2.5 h and 3 h after shock, respectively, and that in shock+ligation group and shock+drainage group was increased at 0 h, 0.5 h and 1 h after shock, decreased at 2.5 h and 3 h after shock, respectively. The △MAP in shock+ligation group and shock+drainage group was higher than that in shock group at 0.5 h after shock and all the time points followed. The SMA reactivity to NE and sensibility to Ca²⁺ in shock group, shock+ligation group and shock+drainage group were lower markedly than those in sham group. The vascular reactivity and calcium sensitivity in shock+ligation and shock+drainage groups were higher than those in shock group. The vascular reactivity and calcium sensitivity in shock group, shock+ligation group and shock+drainage group were lower than those in sham group, and those in shock+ligation and shock+drainage groups were increased as compared to shock group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Blockage of mesenteric lymphatic return with the methods of mesenteric lymph duct ligation and mesenteric lymph drainage promotes the vascular reactivity of HS rats. The mechanism may be related to improving the calcium sensitivity in the vasculature.     

Effect of hypertonic saline solution on the geometry of erythrocyte in rats subjected to hemorrhagic shock

AIM:To study the effect of hypertonic saline solution on the geometry of erythrocyte in hemorrhage-shocked rats,using micropippette aspiration technique. METHODS:Wistar rats were randomized into three groups of 0.9% NaCl(NS),7.5% NaCl(HS) and 5% NaCl-3.5% NaAc(HSA). The animals were bled to reach a mean arterial pressure of 5.3 kPa in 10 minutes and maintained in shock for 90 minutes. 4 mL/kg NS,HS or HSA was given intravenously and respectively in 5 minutes following hemorrhagic shock. The blood was collected to determine the geometry of erythrocyte at baseline,after shock and treatment. RESULTS:There were no significant difference in surface area/volume ratio and spherical index between baseline and shock.The diameter of erythrocyte were decreased obviously following hemorrhagic shock. The surface area/volume ratio was significantly lower in HS group than that in NS and HSA group after treatment. HS and HSA raised spherical index of erythrocyte remarkbly compared with NS.Otherwise,the spherical index of erythrocyte was reduced significantly in HSA group compared to HS group. Both HS and HSA decreased diameter of erythrocyte notably compared with NS. CONCLUSION:Both HS and HSA have deleterious effects on the geometry of erythrocyte in rats subjected to hemorrhagic shock.Whereas, HSA could decrease the side effect compared with HS.     

Hypertonic NaCl-NaAc improves the microcirculation in rats subjected to hemorrhagic shock

AIM: To study the effects of hypertonic NaCl-NaAc on microcirculation in hemorrhage-shocked rats.METHODS: SD rats were randomized into three groups of 7.5% NaCl(hypertonic saline, HS), 5% NaCl-3.5% NaAc(hypertonic sodium acetate, HSA) and 0.9% NaCl(normal saline, NS). 4 mL/kg HS, HSA or NS was given intravenously following hemorrhagic shock. The microcirculation of spinotrapezius muscle was observed.RESULTS: HS increased mean aortic pressure more significant than HSA. Variables including arteriolar and venular diameter, velocity and volumetric flow rate and open capillaries were increased and erythrocyte aggregation was decreased in 5 min after resuscitation with both HS and HSA solutions.5 min later, variables were deteriorated in HS group.After local treatment, arteriolar and venular diameters were dilated significantly in HSA group.CONCLUSION:HSA had superior effects to HS in improving microcirculation of hemorrhage-shocked rats.     

Study on NO regulation of the lymphatic stomata in mice and the mechanism of ultrafiltration failure during peritoneal dialysis

AIM: To study the regulatory effect of nitric oxide on the lymphatic stomata and probe into the mechanism of ultrafiltration failure during long-term peritoneal dialysis(PD). METHODS: ①Sodium nitroprusside(SNP) and N^G-monomethyl-L-arginine(L-NMMA)(inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase(NOS)) were injected into the peritoneal cavity of the mouse model of PD. ②NO concentration was measured in serum. ③The lymphatic stomata was studied with SEM and computer image processing.RESULTS: During PD, a lot of macrophages wandered out of the lymphatic stomata to form milky spots on the peritoneal mesothelium, and the diameter and density of the stomata were increased with NO concentration raised. After PD cessation, the stomata was normal gradually and numbers of milky spots reduced with NO concentration fall. The diameter and density of the stomata were increased with a rise in NO concentration as SNP was used, oppositely those were decreased with the increase in NO concentration as L-NMMA was injected intraperitoneally. CONCLUSIONS: The lymphatic stomata might be regulated through increasing the endogenous NO concentration. During PD, NO is increased gradually and the ultrafiltration failure would occur when re-absorption of the stomata was increased from the peritoneal cavity.     

Role of ZIPK in the regulatory effects of PKCα and PKCε on calcium sensitivity during hemorrhagic shock in rats

AIM: To observe the role of zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) in the regulatory effects of protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and protein kinase Cε (PKCε) on calcium sensitivity during hemorrhagic shock(HS) in rats. METHODS: The skinned first class arborization of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) from HS rats were adopted to observe the influence of inhibitor of ZIPK on the effects of PKCα and PKCε agonists on calcium sensitivity after shock via measuring the contraction initiated by Ca2+ with isolated organ perfusion system, hypoxic vascualr smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were adopted to measure the protein expression and activity of ZIPK after applying PKCα and PKCε agonists following hypoxia via Western blotting. RESULTS: (1) The calcium sensitivity of SMA was decreased after 2 h shock, and increased by agonists of PKCα and PKCε. Emax of Ca2+ was increased from 47.2％to 66.5％ (P<0.01) and 66.3％ (P<0.01) of normal control respectively as compared with 2 h shock group. The increasing effects of PKCα and PKCε agonists on calcium sensitivity of SMA after 2 h shock were weakened by the inhibitor of ZIPK. The cumulative dose-response curve of Ca2+ was shifted to the right, the Emax of Ca2+ was decreased to 42.6％ and 47.5％ of normal control (P<0.01), respectively. (2) The protein expression and activity of ZIPK in VSMCs were decreased after 2 h hypoxia, and were increased by the agonists of PKCα and PKCε following 2 h hypoxia. CONCLUSION: PKCα and PKCε regulate the calcium sensitization probably through changing the protein expression and activity of ZIPK following HS in rats.     

CO2 与养分交互作用对番茄幼苗养分利用的影响

以番茄(Lycopersicon esculentumMill.)‘合作906’为材料进行溶液培养试验,设2个因子:CO2和营养液浓度;CO2浓度设正常(360μL/L)和倍增(720μL/L)2个水平;营养液浓度设基本营养液(日本山崎番茄营养液),微量元素采用阿农营养液配方的1/2、1/4、1/8、1/164个水平,完全试验方案8个处理,3次重复。pH为6·0±0·2,3d更换1次营养液。移植到1·2L盆(2株/盒)中,植株在CO2生长箱(VS-3DMC)中培养,全天施放CO2,白天25℃,晚上15℃,光照为14h/d,光照强度11000lx,相对湿度60%。46d时收获,根、茎、叶经蒸馏水冲洗吸干水分后,放入纸袋105℃杀青,75…     

Role of Rho kinase in the dysfunction of myocardium contraction in hemorrhagic shock rats

AIM: To explore the role of Rho kinase in myocardium contraction in hemorrhagic shock rats. METHODS: The rat cardiac papillary muscle and rat heart at different time points during hemorrhagic shock were isolated. The contraction of papillary muscle in response to isoprenaline and the hemodynamic parameters of the isolated hearts in vitro including left intraventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), the maximal change rate of left intraventricular pressure (±dp/dtmax) were measured. RESULTS: The activity of Rho kinase, the contractile response of cardiac papillary muscle to isoprenaline and the hemodynamic parameters of the hearts were decreased gradually at the 1 h, 2 h and 4 h after shock. Compared to the normal controls, the activity of Rho kinase, the contractile response of cardiac papillary muscle and the hemodynamic parameters of the hearts were decreased significantly. The change of Rho kinase was positively correlated with the contractile response and the hemodynamic parameters of the heart. Stimulation with U-46619 at concentration of 10-8 mmol/L increased the activity of Rho kinase and improved the contractile response of cardiac papillary muscle to isoprenaline and the hemodynamic parameters of the isolated heart. The effects of U-46619 on the above parameters were abolished by Rho kinase specific inhibitor Y-27632 at concentration of 10-5 mol/L. CONCLUSION: Rho kinase plays an important role in the regulation of cardiac contractility during hemorrhagic shock.     

Mechanism of mesenteric lymph reperfusion aggravates multiple organ injury in superior mesenteric artery occlusion shock rats

AIM: To explore the mechanism of mesenteric lymph reperfusion (MLR) aggravates multiple organ injury in superior mesenteric artery occlusion (SMAO) shock rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: in sham group, only anesthetization and operation were performed; in MLR group, occlusion of mesenteric lymphatics (ML) for 1 h followed by 2 h of reperfusion; in SMAO group, occlusion of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 1 h followed by 2 h reperfusion; in MLR+SMAO group, occlusion of SMA and ML for 1 h followed by 2 h of reperfusion. The homogenates of liver, kidney, myocardium and lung were prepared for determining the activities of free radical, nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and cell membrane ATPase. RESULTS: The MDA, NO contents and NOS, MPO activities of multiple organic homogenate in SMAO and MLR+SMAO group were higher than those in sham and MLR group, and these indexes in MLR+SMAO were increased significantly than those in SMAO group. The SOD and ATPase activities of muliple organic homogenate in SMAO and MLR+SMAO group were lower than those in sham and MLR group, and those in MLR+SMAO group was decreased obviously than those in SMAO group. CONCLUSION: The MLR enhances the multiple organ free radical injury, NO synthesis and release, PMN detention and decreases the activity of cell membrane ATPase, aggravating the major organs injury in SMAO shock rats. Intestinal lymphatic pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of SMAO shock.     

Dexmedetomidine attenuates acute kidney injury induced by hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation (HS/R)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats, and to explore the possible mechanisms. METHODS: Wistar rats (n=32) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8):normal saline control group (NS group), dexmedetomidine group (D group), HS/R group and HS/R+D group. The animals were sacrificed at 6 h after resuscitation. The levels of serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urine nitrogen (BUN) were examined. The kidneys of all rats were removed for evaluation of histological characteristics, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. The expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with NS group, the levels of Cr, BUN, MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β were obviously increased in HS/R group, which were obviously decreased in HS/R+D group (P<0.05). Compared with NS group, the SOD activity was obviously decreased in HS/R group, which was obviously increased in HS/R+D group (P<0.05). Compared with NS group, the protein expression of NF-κB was obviously increased in HS/R group, which was obviously decreased in HS/R+D group (P<0.05). Compared with NS group, the protein expression of HO-1 was increased in HS/R group. Compared with HS/R group, the protein expression of HO-1 was obviously increased in HS/R+D group. Compared with NS group, HS/R induced marked kidney histological injury, which was less pronounced in HS/R+D group.CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine effectively protects rats against AKI caused by HS/R, and its mechanism may be associated with the increase in HO-1 expression and the inhibition of NF-κB expression.     

Protective effects and mechanism of heat shock response on cardiovascular system in rats after heat exposure

AIM:To study protective effects and mechanism of heat shock response (HSR) on cardiovascular system in rats after heat exposure.METHODS:The study was divided into 2 experiments:①Protective effects of HSR on cardiovascular system in rats after heat exposure.SD rats randomly allocated into 2 groups:heat shock group (HS group), sham control group(SC group).HS group were treated with heat shock, but SC group weren't.After re-covering for 20 h at room temperature, two groups exposed to death in thermal environment, and blood pressure and elec-trocardiogram were measured continuously.Through Chart software mean arterial pressure(MAP), existent time etc were acquired.②SD male rats randomly allocated into 3 groups:HS group, SC group and normal temperature control group(NC group).NC group weren't treated.The treatment in HS and SC group was identical with in the first experiment, but it would be terminated at 73 min after heat exposure, meanwhile content of MDA of myocardium were measured.RESULTS:① Existent time in HS group was longer than that in SC group and shock arrived later; ② During earlier period after heat exposure MAP had no significant changes between HS and SC group, but after 60 mins MAP in HS group were higher than that in SC group; ③ Compared with NC group, content of MDA in myocardium in SC group was higher significantly at 73 min after heat exposure. Howerer, content of MDA in HS group was lower than in SC group, and had no significant changes with NC group.CONCLUSION:Through decreasing production of MDA in myocardium, HSR has a protective effect on cardiovascular system in rats after heat exposure.     

Mechanism of vascular hyporeactivity induced by NO in hemorrhagic shock

AIM: To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in vascular hyporeactivity during prolonged hemorrhagic shock (HS). METHODS: Anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats (180-220 g) were subjected to HS insult in which they were bled to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mmHg (5.33 kPa) and arteriolar reactivity to norepinephrine in spinotrapezius was detected. The constant MAP of 40 mmHg was maintained until vascular hyporeactivity had occurred and then were resuscitated or sacrificed for further analysis. NO synthase (NOS) activity was measured ex vivo by the conversion of [³H]-arginine to [³H]-citrulline in homogenates from heart, lung, liver, spleen, duodunum, skeletal muscle. 24 h survival rates of resuscitated rats were observed with and without administration of aminoguanidine (AG), a selective inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor. Mesenteric arteriolar smooth muscle cells (ASMC) were isolated, and the effects of L-arginine (L-Arg) on membrane potential (MP) of ASMC were determined by fluorescent probe and confocal microscopy in the absence and presence of AG. RESULTS: When vascular hyporeactivity occurred, an increase of NOS activity was observed in liver and heart. Resuscitated rats with AG had a higher survival rate compared with that of control. The MP of ASMC was decreased (more negative) immediately following the addition of L-Arg, and the hyperpolarization effects of L-Arg were partially blocked in the presence of AG. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that excessive NO produced in HS is responsible for the occurrence of vascular hyporeactivity in prolonged hemorrhagic shock, and one of the mechanisms of which may be hyperpolarization of ASMC caused by NO.     

Mechanism of RhoA on vascular reactivity following hemorrhagic shock in rats

AIM: To observe the mechanisms of RhoA on vascular reactivity following hemorrhagic shock (HS) in rats. METHODS: The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in rats subjected to hemorrhagic shock was adopted to assay the vascular reactivity via observing the contraction initiated by norepinephrine (NE) with isolated organ perfusion system. Meanwhile, the effects of Rho kinase, myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) on RhoA regulating vascular reactivity were observed. The effects of RhoA agonist U-46619 and inhibitor C3 enzyme on the activities of Rho kianse, MLCP, MLCK and phosphorylation of MLC20 in the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) with hypoxia were also measured. RESULTS: As compared to control group, the cumulative dose-response curves of SMA to NE at 2 h after shock shifted to the right, the maximal contractions (Emax) of NE was significantly decreased. RhoA agonist U-46619 increased the vascular reactivity in the late period of shock. C3 enzyme abolished U-46619 induced the increase in the contractile response of SMA to NE. Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 decreased U-46619-induced the increase in the vascular reactivity, MLCP inhibitor calyculin further promoted the increase in the vascular reactivity. However, MLCK inhibitor had no effect on the U-46619-induced change of vascular reactivity. After hypoxia, the activities of Rho kinase and MLCK, and the level of MLC20 phosphorylation were decreased, MLCP activity was increased. RhoA agonist U-46619 increased the activity of Rho kinase and phosphorylation of MLC20, decreased the activity of MLCP, but had no effects on MLCK activity. CONCLUSION: RhoA plays an important role in the regulation of vascular reactivity following shock. The mechanism is closely related to regulating the activities of Rho kinase and MLCP, and increasing the phosphorylation of MLC20 in VSMC.     

Effect of caveolin-1 expression on high-salt diet-induced endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetic rats

AIM: To investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for endothelial dysfunction of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) rats fed with high-salt diet. METHODS: Type 1 DM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (70 mg/kg). Normal and diabetic rats were fed high-salt food (HS, 8% NaCl) and standard food for 6 weeks, respectively. Isometric tension of the mesenteric arteries were measured. The expression of Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and caveolin-1 (Cav-1) was examined by Western blot. RESULTS: The rats in DM+HS group exhibited more pronounced impairment of vasorelaxation to acetylcholine and insulin compared with either DM group or HS group (P<0.01). Akt and eNOS phosphorylation levels, and nitric oxide (NO) concentration in DM+HS group were significantly lower than those in DM group (P<0.01). The level of Cav-1 in DM+HS group was significantly higher than that in DM group and HS group. CONCLUSION: Impaired endothelial Akt activation, increased Cav-1 expression and resultant decreased eNOS activation contribute to aggravate high-salt diet-induced endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in DM rats.     

Effects of salusins on in vivo mesenteric microcirculation in rats

AIM: To investigate the regulatory effects of salusins on tensility of microvessle in rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly distributed into six experimental groups as follows: (1) normal saline injection-treated control; (2) salusin α; (3) salusin β; (4) noradrenaline; (5) noradrenaline+salusin α; and (6) noradrenaline+Salusin β. For recording the microcirculation images in the mesentery, the intestinal loop was mounted on the stage of an intravital microscope equipped with a TV camera. Temporal changes in internal diameter of arterioles and venules were measured by computer using the Image-Pro software. RESULTS: Salusin α (10-5mol/L) dilated arterioles directly and the dilation up to the peak at 3 min ［(25.56±4.30) vs (24.49±4.27)μm, P<0.05］, but has no effect on diameter of venules. The decrease extent of internal diameters of arterioles significantly reduced in NA (10-6 mol/L) and salusin α (10-5 mol/L) co-treated animals compared with NA-treated animals (P<0.05). Salusin α (10-5 mol/L) also reduced NA-induced contraction of venules in a certain extent (P>0.05). Salusin β has no effects on internal diameter directly and NA-induced contraction of microvessles. CONCLUSION: Salusin α dilated mesenteric arterioles and inhibited NA-induced contraction of microvessles in rats.     

Role of β-endorphin in the suppression of cellular immunity of rats following trauma-hemorrhagic shock()

AIM: To explore the role of plasma β-endorphin(β-EP) in the suppression of cellular immunity following trauma-hemorrhagic shock(T-HS). METHODS: ① Wistar rats with T-HS were sacrificed at 0 h, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h after T-HS. Plasma sample was collected and β-EP levels in plasma was measured. Rats with sham-operated were served as the controls. ②In in vitro experiment, splenic cells were isolated and mixed from four normal rats and cocultured with shock plasma (SP) or SP +β-EP antiserum. ConA-induced splenic cell proliferation, IL-2 production, IL-2R expression were examined. RESULTS: ① Levels of plasma β-EP elevated remarkably after T-HS immediately, peaked at 1h , showed decreasing tendency and restored normal 24 h after T-HS. ② Shock plasma significantly suppressed ConA-induced splenic cell function. Levels of plasma β-EP were negatively correlated with spenic cell proliferation and IL-2 production and IL-2R expression. Compared with SP group, splenic cell function elevated markedly in SP + β-EP antiserum group, but still lower than that in controls. CONCLUSION: The elevated plasma β-EP following T-HS was involved in the suppression of cellular immunity.