Nature 329, 442 - 445 (01 October 1987); doi:10.1038/329442a0

EDRF coordinates the behaviour of vascular resistance vessels

T. M. Griffith, D. H. Edwards^*, R. Ll. Davies, T. J. Harrison & K. T. Evans

Departments of Diagnostic Radiology & ^* Cardiology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF4 4XN, UK

Constriction of vascular smooth muscle in response to the stimulus of raised intravascular pressure—the myogenic response^1,2— represents a positive feedback mechanism which, if unopposed, could theoretically lead to instability in the intact circulation^3,4. Dilation in response to increased intraluminal flow would provide an opposing feedback mechanism which could confer overall stability⁴. Flow-dependent dilation in conduit vessels^5–7 is mediated by endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF)^8–14, but the relationship between flow and EDRF activity has not been studied in resistance vessels in situ. We here demonstrate that EDRF can coordinate the aggregate hydrodynamic properties of an intact network. Under control conditions, EDRF maintains a fourth-power relationship between diameter and flow so that the pressure gradient in each vessel asymptotically approaches a constant value at high flow rates. Basal EDRF release may also maintain a similar spatial distribution of flow at different flow rates, even under conditions of moderate pharmacological constriction.

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