Abstract

Introduction

Materials & Methods

Results

Discussion & Conclusion

References

Discussion
Board

The myogenic response reflects an inherent property of vascular smooth muscle and is considered to be a primary mechanism of local blood flow regulation. Enhanced myogenic responsiveness has been postulated to contribute to increased arteriolar tone in hypertension. Studies in the SHR show the myogenic response is augmented in some, but not all vascular beds. Dietary salt can influence microvascular structure and function independent of an effect on arterial pressure, and therefore could potentially alter arteriolar myogenic responsiveness. An intact endothelium is not required to generate a myogenic response, but endothelium-derived factors (nitric oxide, NO) released in response to luminal shear stress have been shown to attenuate the myogenic response in vitro. The purposes of this study were to (1) evaluate the myogenic responsiveness of large arterioles in normotensive, salt-loaded and hypertensive rats and (2) assess the modulation of arteriolar myogenic responsiveness by endogenous NO in vivo.

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