EFFECTS OF PROLONGED COLD-STORAGE ON THE RESPONSIVENESS OF ISOLATED AND PERFUSED CANINE INTERMEDIATE AURICULAR ARTERY

Abstract

Using the cannula inserting method, the effects of prolonged cold storage (5-7 days, at 4.degree. C) on vasoconstrictor responses of the isolated and perfused canine intermediate auricular artery to norepinephrine, tyramine, serotonin, histamine, prostaglandin F2.alpha. and potassium chloride were investigated. The vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine and potassium chloride were slightly enhanced by prolonged cold storage but not significantly, and those to serotonin and prostaglandin F2.alpha. were not influenced at all. The dose-response curve for tyramine shifted to the right in a parallel manner, and histamine-induced vasoconstriction was markedly potentiated by prolonged cold storage in a maximal increase in perfusion pressure. Evidently, prolonged cold storage on the isolated canine intermediate auricular artery may not cause complete denervation of adrenergic nerve fibers and responsiveness to vasoactive substances except histamine remains almost the same in non-stored vessels.