Modification by Acetylcholine of the Response of Rat Mesenteric Arteries to Sympathetic Stimulation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of varying concentrations of acetylcholine on the vasoconstriction of the perfused mesenteric arteries of the rat caused by stimulation of their sympathetic postganglionic nerves. Perfusion was carried out with a peristaltic pump, and the constriction caused by stimulation was measured by the rise of pressure in the cannula tied in the artery. Two effects were found. At rates of stimulation between 2 and 8/sec, acetylcholine added to the perfusion fluid in very low concentrations (50 pg/ml) caused an increase in the vasoconstriction. An increase was also caused by adding a concentration of 2 ng/ml for 15 seconds. If, however, this or a greater concentration was added for a longer time, it had the opposite effect and the vasoconstriction was greatly reduced or blocked. This reduction or block was not due in the main to a reduction or block of the vasoconstrictor action of norepinephrine. Block of response to stimulation was also produced by guanethidine. The block produced by acetylcholine resembled the block produced by guanethidine in two respects. The block was removed by raising the calcium concentration, and it was also removed by adding d -amphetamine to the perfusion fluid. The block produced by a given concentration of acetylcholine was abolished by a much higher concentration of atropine or hyoscine.