Pulmonary vascular pressures of exercising thoroughbred horses with and without endoscopic evidence of EIPH

Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) is a common occurrence in racehorses. The objective of this study was to compare pulmonary vascular pressures of healthy Thoroughbred horses with and without postexertion endoscopically detectable fresh blood in the trachea. The nasopharynx, larynx, and trachea (down to the carina) of horses were examined weekly with an endoscope 55-60 min postexertion, and the diagnosis of EIPH was confirmed by the presence of fresh blood in the trachea. Measurements of heart rate and right atrial, pulmonary arterial, and pulmonary arterial wedge pressures were made during quiet rest and during treadmill exercise performed at 14.5 m/s on a 5% uphill grade. This workload elicited maximal heart rate of the horses. Mean pulmonary capillary pressure was estimated to be halfway between the mean pulmonary arterial pressure and the mean pulmonary arterial wedge pressure. These data from 7 healthy sound exercise-trained horses that were positive on 12 consecutive occasions (at 1-wk intervals) for the postexercise presence of fresh blood in the trachea were compared with those in 8 healthy horses that were consistently negative for the evidence of fresh blood in the trachea on postexercise endoscopic examination over 12-16 wk. The heart rate and the right heart and/or pulmonary vascular pressures in the two groups of horses were similar at rest. Exercise was attended by a large significant (P < 0.05) increase in these pressures and heart rate in both groups. However, statistically significant differences between endoscopically EIPH-positive and endoscopically EIPH-negative horses for heart rate and right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures were not found during exercise. Thus these data revealed that the magnitude of exercise-induced right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary, and venous hypertension in endoscopically EIPH-positive horses that are otherwise healthy is quite similar to that in endoscopically EIPH-negative horses during comparable exertion.

Pulmonary vascular pressures of strenuously exercising thoroughbreds after administration of phenylbutazone

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of phenylbutazone administration on heart rate and right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures in Thoroughbreds during rest and during exercise performed at maximal heart rate.

ANIMALS

7 healthy, exercise-conditioned Thoroughbreds.

PROCEDURE

Horses were studied on 3 occasions: without medication [control], after i.v. administration of phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg of body weight) at 12-hour intervals for 2 days and a final dose given 1 hour before exercise, and after i.v. administration of phenylbutazone for 2 days in the same manner, but with the final dose given 24 hours before exercise. Horses were studied at rest and during exercise performed at maximal heart rate on a treadmill. Right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures were measured with catheter-tip manometers referenced at the point of the shoulder.

RESULTS

We did not detect significant differences in heart rate or right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures among values recorded when horses were not given medication and values recorded when phenylbutazone was administered by either regimen. Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in 6 of the 7 horses regardless of whether phenylbutazone was administered or the dosage regimen used.

CONCLUSIONS

In these Thoroughbreds, phenylbutazone treatment did not modify heart rate or right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures at rest or during exercise capable of eliciting exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. Thus, because phenylbutazone is a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, prostaglandins probably do not play a role in mediating exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension in horses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Phenylbutazone administration did not modify the pulmonary capillary hypertension in the strenuously exercising Thoroughbreds, and therefore, is unlikely to alter the prevalence or severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in Thoroughbred race-horses.

The sequence of the Mycoplasma arthritidis superantigen, MAM: identification of functional domains and comparison with microbial superantigens and plant lectin mitogens

Mycoplasma arthritidis, an agent of chronic proliferative arthritis of rodents, secretes a potent soluble superantigen, MAM, that is active for both murine and human T and B lymphocytes. We now report the complete nucleotide and amino acid sequence of MAM and show it to be distinct from other proteins and not closely related phylogenetically to other superantigens. Two functional domains on MAM are identified based on the ability of peptides encompassing these regions to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation by the intact MAM molecule. One of these domains shares short sequences or epitopes with other microbial superantigens. The second domain contains the consensus legume lectin motif-beta, which is important for T cell activation by concanavalin (Con) A. MAM and Con A peptides containing this motif are functionally cross reactive, suggesting a novel secondary pathway for T cell activation by MAM.

Progressive vector quantization on a massively parallel SIMD machine with application to multispectral image data

This correspondence discusses a progressive vector quantization (VQ) compression approach, which decomposes image data into a number of levels using full-search VQ. The final level is losslessly compressed, enabling lossless reconstruction. The computational difficulties are addressed by implementation on a massively parallel SIMD machine. We demonstrate progressive VQ on multispectral imagery obtained from the advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) and other earth-observation image data, and investigate the tradeoffs in selecting the number of decomposition levels and codebook training method.

Thyroid, renal, and splanchnic circulation in horses at rest and during short-term exercise

Using radionuclide-labeled 15-microm-diameter microspheres injected into the left ventricle, we examined blood flow to the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, kidneys, and various gastrointestinal tract tissues in 9 healthy horses while they were standing quietly (rest) and during exercise at 2 work intensities (8 and 1 m/s). Hemodynamic measurements were made during steady-state conditions, as judged by the stability of heart rate as well as aortic, pulmonary, and right atrial pressures. The similarity of blood flow values for the left and the right kidneys during each of the 3 conditions indicated adequate mixing of microspheres with blood. In standing horses, of all tissues examined, the thyroid gland had the highest blood flow (1,655.2 +/- 338.5 ml/min/100 g)--being about threefold that in the kidneys. Adrenal blood flow, by contrast, was only 25% of that in the kidneys (589.5 +/- 50.4 ml/min/100 g). Among the gastrointestinal tract tissues, glandular stomach and pancreas had the highest blood flows (214.3 +/- 21.6 and 197.6 +/- 23.4 ml/min/100 g, respectively). Small intestinal perfusion was not different from that in the ventral colon and cecum, but their values exceeded those for the dorsal and small colons. Exercise at 8 and 13 m/s caused significant increase in adrenal blood flow as vascular resistance decreased significantly. In the kidneys, blood flow was only insignificantly affected during exercise at 8 m/s, but at 13 m/s there was a profound reduction in renal blood flow as intense renal vasoconstriction occurred. Vasoconstriction also caused thyroid and pancreatic blood flow to decrease significantly at both levels of exertion. Significant vasoconstriction occurring in all gastrointestinal tract tissues at 8 and 13 m/s caused blood flow to be diverted away from these vascular beds. Thus, our data indicated that renal, adrenal, and splanchnic organ/tissue blood flow responses of strenuously exercising horses closely resemble those described for exercising ponies.

Effects of glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) on pulmonary vascular pressures in standing thoroughbred horses

Strenuously exercising Thoroughbreds exhibit a dramatic increase in pulmonary capillary blood pressure, which contributes to stress failure of pulmonary capillaries resulting in exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). One strategy to prevent EIPH is, therefore, to lower the pulmonary capillary blood pressure of exercising horses. Recent work in several species suggests that nitric oxide plays a significant role in maintaining low vascular resistance in the pulmonary circulation; however, the effects of nitrovasodilators (which work via the same mechanism as nitric oxide) on equine pulmonary circulation have not been examined. The present study examined the effects of glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) on right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures in 7 healthy sound Thoroughbred horses. Freshly prepared nitroglycerin solution was infused for 240 s into the right atrium of quietly standing Thoroughbreds at dose rates of 350, 700, 1400 and 2100 g/min in a randomised manner. All infusions were performed in duplicate. Heart rate, right atrial, pulmonary artery, pulmonary capillary and pulmonary artery wedge pressures were determined preinfusion, at 30 s intervals during nitroglycerin infusions and at 60 s post infusion. Measurements were made using catheter mounted manometers whose in vivo signals had been matched with fluid-filled systems referenced at the level of the point of the shoulder. It was observed that nitroglycerin infusions caused a dose related increase in heart rate while dose related reductions occurred in the mean right atrial, pulmonary artery, pulmonary artery wedge and pulmonary capillary pressures. At 2100 micrograms/min, nitroglycerin induced reduction in pulmonary artery wedge pressure was significantly greater than that in the pulmonary artery pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pulmonary vascular pressures of thoroughbreds increase rapidly and to a higher level with rapid onset of high-intensity exercise than slow onset

Previous studies of pulmonary vascular pressures have utilised gradual incremental step exercise protocols, but in competitive racing at the track, horses perform rapid acceleration high-intensity exercise. The rate of rise in pulmonary vascular pressures under conditions of quick onset high-intensity exercise is unknown. Catheter mounted manometers, whose in vivo signals were matched with pressure signals obtained via transducers connected to fluid-filled lumens from same cardiovascular sites, were used to compare right heart and pulmonary vascular pressures in 8 healthy Thoroughbreds performing 2 separate exercise protocols on a high speed treadmill (gradually incremental vs. rapid acceleration exercise protocol where the belt speed was raised from 8 m/s to 15 m/s in 8 s). Heart rate, right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures at rest were similar for the 2 protocols. Rapid acceleration of horses from 8 to 15 m/s was attended by an equally rapid escalation in the right heart and pulmonary vascular pressures such that these pressures reached their zenith as belt speed approached 15 m/s. Although exercise at 15 m/s resulted in similar heart rate in the 2 protocols, the mean +/- s.e. values of mean right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure and mean pulmonary capillary pressure (91.5 +/- 3.9 mmHg) in the rapid acceleration exercise were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than respective values at 15 m/s in the gradual incremental step exercise protocol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Atrial and ventricular myocardial blood flows in horses at rest and during exercise

Right atrial, pulmonary artery, pulmonary capillary, pulmonary artery wedge, and systemic blood pressures of strenuously exercising horses increase markedly. As a consequence, myocardial metabolic O2 demand in exercising horses must be high. Experiments were, therefore, carried out on 9 healthy, exercise-conditioned horses (2.5 to 8 years old; 481 +/- 16 kg) to ascertain the regional distribution of myocardial blood supply in the atria and ventricles at rest and during exercise. Blood flow was measured, using 15-micron-diameter radionuclide-labeled microspheres that were injected into the left ventricle while reference blood samples were being withdrawn at a constant rate from the thoracic aorta. Myocardial blood flow was determined at rest and during 2 exercise bouts performed on a high-speed treadmill at 8 and 13 m/s (0% grade). The sequence of exercise bouts was randomized among horses, and a 60-minute rest period was permitted between exercise bouts. There was considerable heterogeneity in the distribution of myocardial perfusion in the atria and the ventricles at rest; the right atrial myocardium received significantly (P < 0.05) less perfusion than did the left atrium, and these values were significantly (P < 0.05) less than those for the respective ventricular myocardium. The right ventricular myocardial blood flow also was significantly less than that in the left ventricle. With exercise, myocardial blood flow in all regions increased progressively with increasing work intensity and marked coronary vasodilation was observed in all cardiac regions. During exercise at 8 or 13 m/s, right and left atrial myocardial blood flows (per unit weight basis) were not different from each other.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pulmonary vascular pressures of strenuously exercising thoroughbreds after administration of flunixin meglumine and furosemide

High-intensity exercise results in a dramatic increase in mean pulmonary capillary blood pressure of horses, and administration of furosemide 4 hours before exertion significantly attenuates this exercise-induced increment. To test whether this effect of furosemide is mediated via release of prostaglandins, right atrial and pulmonary vascular pressures were measured in 8 healthy, sound, exercise-trained Thoroughbreds at rest and during incremental-step exercise on a treadmill. Horses were studied on 3 separate occasions: after i.v. administration of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, after administration of furosemide (250 mg, i.v., 4 hours before exercise) alone, and after administration of flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg, i.v., q 8 h for 3 days) and furosemide (250 mg, i.v., 4 hours before exercise; last dose of flunixin meglumine was administered 90 seconds after furosemide injection). Experiments on each horse were separated by at least 7 days and were performed in random order. At rest and at the highest workload (14.5 m/s on a 5% uphill incline), mean pulmonary capillary blood pressure recorded after administration of furosemide alone was not significantly different from that recorded after administration of flunixin meglumine and furosemide. However, these values were significantly (P < 0.05) less than corresponding values of mean pulmonary capillary blood pressure recorded after administration of saline solution. Thus, it was concluded that furosemide-induced attenuation of the increment in pulmonary capillary blood pressure during strenuous exercise is probably not mediated via prostaglandin production.

Frusemide attenuates the exercise-induced rise in pulmonary capillary blood pressure in horses

Catheter mounted micro-tip-manometers (the signals from which were matched with fluid-filled pressure signals from same cardiovascular sites and zeroed at the point of the shoulder), were used to study pulmonary haemodynamics in 8 healthy sound horses at rest and during exercise performed at 8, 10, 12 and 14 m/s on a treadmill. Measurements were made without frusemide (control) and 4 h after iv administration of 250 mg frusemide. Post-frusemide data were also obtained on a separate day, and these observations were not significantly different from those made on the same day as controls. Pre-frusemide values of heart rate, mean right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure and mean pulmonary capillary pressure at 14 m/s were 214 +/- 5 beats/min, 54 +/- 4, 92 +/- 4, 65 +/- 6 and 79 +/- 5 mmHg, respectively. Exercise at 14 m/s after frusemide resulted in a similar heart rate (216 +/- 4 beats/min), but the mean right atrial, pulmonary arterial, pulmonary artery wedge and pulmonary capillary pressures were all significantly lower, i.e. 34 +/- 5, 79 +/- 4, 45 +/- 4, and 62 +/- 3 mmHg, respectively. Attenuation, by frusemide, of the exercise-induced rise in pulmonary capillary pressure would lower the magnitude of the transmural force exerted on the pulmonary capillaries. If, therefore, exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is caused by stress failure of pulmonary capillaries, frusemide pretreatment has the potential for reducing/limiting the extent of EIPH.

Pulmonary haemodynamics in the exercising horse and their relationship to exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage

Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is a common occurrence in race horses. Although blood in cases of EIPH has been suspected to originate from the bronchial circulation, which receives approximately 1% of the left ventricular output, physiological evidence has recently emerged to indicate that the pulmonary circulation, which receives the entire output of the right ventricle, is a more likely source. High transmural pulmonary capillary pressures have been shown to cause breaks in the capillary endothelium, basement membrane as well as in the alveolar epithelium. Blood constituents escape into the interstitium and alveoli through such breaks in the blood-gas barrier--a phenomenon referred to as stress failure of pulmonary capillaries. Concomitant measurement of pulmonary arterial and venous pressures in strenuously exercising horses have revealed that both of these variables increased dramatically such that the intravascular pulmonary capillary pressure during exertion at 14 m/s (heart rate of 214 beats/min) approached 105 cm H2O (79 mmHg). Alveolar pressure during peak inhalation is likely to be negative; therefore, it is probable that transmural (intravascular minus perivascular) pulmonary capillary pressure of maximally exercising horses may be greater than 105 cm of water. Thus, the pulmonary blood-gas barrier, which has to be thin to provide for adequate diffusion of O2, is exposed to very high transmural forces associated with high cardiac output during exercise. Recent evidence suggests that the alveolar-capillary membrane may not be able to withstand the high transmural forces during maximal exertion, and that stress failure of pulmonary capillaries occurs, leading to EIPH. Intravenous furosemide premedication 4 h before exercise attenuates the exercise-induced rise in pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous pressures and, therefore, may be efficacious in reducing or limiting the extent of EIPH in race horses.

Furosemide attenuates the exercise-induced increase in pulmonary artery wedge pressure in horses

Right atrial (RA), right ventricular (RV), pulmonary artery (PA), and pulmonary artery wedge (PAW) pressures were examined, using catheter-mounted micromanometers, in 8 healthy horses at rest and during galloping on a treadmill at belt speeds of 8, 10, and 13 m/s. The in vivo signals from the micromanometers were matched with those from conventional fluid-filled catheter transducers leveled at the scapulohumeral joint. Thirty minutes after completing control exercise measurements, furosemide was administered IV at a dosage of 1 mg/kg of body weight, and resting, as well as exercise, measurements were repeated 4 hours later. Studies also were performed on a separate day, when only postfurosemide resting and exercise data were collected. Prefurosemide and postfurosemide heart rate values for rest (37 +/- 2 beats/min, mean +/- SEM), as well as for exercise (213 +/- 5 beats/min at 13 m/s), were similar. Prefurosemide mean RA, PA, and PAW pressures were increased significantly (P < 0.05) from resting values of 8 +/- 2, 31 +/- 2, and 18 +/- 2 mm of Hg, respectively, to 44 +/- 4, 89 +/- 5, and 56 +/- 4 mm of Hg with exercise at 13 m/s. Furosemide administration resulted in marked diuresis, and resting mean RA, PA, and PAW pressures decreased significantly (P < 0.05) to 1 +/- 1, 27 +/- 2, and 11 +/- 2 mm of Hg, respectively, 4 hours after furosemide administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pulmonary artery wedge pressure increases with high-intensity exercise in horses

Using catheter mounted microtip manometers, right atrial, pulmonary artery, and pulmonary artery wedge pressures were studied in 8 horses while they were standing quietly (rest), and during galloping at treadmill speeds of 8, 10, and 13 m/s. At rest, mean (+/- SEM) heart rate, mean right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure were 37 (+/- 2) beats/min, 8 (+/- 2) mm of Hg, 31 (+/- 2) mm of Hg, and 18 (+/- 2) mm of Hg, respectively. Exercise at treadmill belt speed of 8 m/s resulted in significant (P < 0.05) increments in heart rate, right atrial pressure, pulmonary artery systolic, mean, diastolic and pulse pressures, and pulmonary artery wedge pressure. All these variables registered further significant (P < 0.05) increments as work intensity increased to 10 m/s, and then to 13 m/s. Pulmonary artery diastolic pressure was, however, not different among the 3 work intensities. During exercise at belt speed of 13 m/s, heart rate, mean right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery pulse pressure, and mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure were 213 (+/- 5) beats/min, 44 (+/- 4) mm of Hg, 89 (+/- 5) mm of Hg, 69 (+/- 4) mm of Hg, and 56 (+/- 4) mm of Hg, respectively. Assuming mean intravascular pulmonary capillary pressure to be halfway between the mean pulmonary arterial and venous pressures, its value during exercise at 13 m/s may have approached 72.5 mm of Hg. Transmural pressure (intravascular minus alveolar pressure) across pulmonary capillaries may be even higher because of the large negative pleural pressure swings in galloping horses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regional brain blood flow during prolonged submaximal exercise in ponies

Experiments were carried out on 8 healthy ponies to examine the effects of prolonged submaximal exercise on regional distribution of brain blood flow. Brain blood flow was ascertained by use of 15-microns-diameter radionuclide-labeled microspheres injected into the left ventricle. The reference blood was withdrawn from the thoracic aorta at a constant rate of 21.0 ml/min. Hemodynamic data were obtained with the ponies at rest (control), and at 5, 15, and 26 minutes of exercise performed at a speed setting of 13 mph on a treadmill with a fixed incline of 7%. Exercise lasted for 30 minutes and was carried out at an ambient temperature of 20 C. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and core temperature increased significantly with exercise. With the ponies at rest, a marked heterogeneity of perfusion was observed within the brain; the cerebral, as well as cerebellar gray matter, had greater blood flow than in the respective white matter, and a gradually decreasing gradient of blood flow existed from thalamus-hypothalamus to medulla. This pattern of perfusion heterogeneity was preserved during exercise. Regional brain blood flow at 5 and 15 minutes of exercise remained similar to resting values. However, at 26 minutes of exercise, vasoconstriction resulted in a significant reduction in blood flow to all cerebral and brain-stem regions. In the cerebellum, the gray matter blood flow and vascular resistance remained near control values even at 26 minutes of exercise. Vasoconstriction in various regions of the cerebrum and brainstem at 26 minutes of exertion may have occurred in response to exercise-induced hypocapnia, arterial hypertension, and/or sympathetic neural activation.

Bronchial circulation during prolonged exercise in ponies

Tracheal, bronchial, and renal flow were studied in 8 healthy ponies at rest and during exercise performed on a treadmill at a speed setting of 20.8 km/h and 7% grade (incline) for 30 minutes. Blood flow was determined with 15-microns-diameter radionuclide-labeled microspheres that were injected into the left ventricle when the ponies were at rest, and at 5, 15, and 26 minutes of exertion. Heart rate and mean aortic pressure increased from resting values (40 +/- 2 beats/min and 124 +/- 3 mm of Hg, respectively) to 152 +/- 8 beats/min and 133 +/- 4 mm of Hg at 5 minutes of exercise, to 169 +/- 6 beats/min and 143 +/- 5 mm of Hg at 15 minutes of exercise, and to 186 +/- 8 beats/min, and 150 +/- 5 mm of Hg at 26 minutes of exercise. Tracheal blood flow at rest and during exercise remained significantly (P less than 0.05) less than bronchial blood flow. Tracheal blood flow increased only slightly with exercise. Vasodilation caused bronchial blood flow to increase throughout exercise. Pulmonary arterial blood temperature of ponies also increased significantly (P less than 0.05) with exercise and a significant (P less than 0.005) correlation was found between bronchial blood flow and pulmonary arterial blood temperature during exertion. At 5 minutes of exercise, renal blood flow was unchanged from the resting value; however, renal vasoconstriction was observed at 15 and 26 minutes of exercise. We concluded that bronchial circulation of ponies increased with exercise in close association with a rise in pulmonary arterial blood temperature.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nonesterified fatty acids and lipid peroxidation

Oxygen free radicals damage cells through peroxidation of membrane lipids. Gastrointestinal mucosal membranes were found to be resistant to in vitro lipid peroxidation as judged by malonaldehyde and conjugated diene production and arachidonic acid depletion. The factor responsible for this in this membrane was isolated and chemically characterised as the nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), specifically monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid. Authentic fatty acids when tested in vitro using liver microsomes showed similar inhibition. The possible mechanism by which NEFA inhibit peroxidation is through iron chelation and iron-fatty acid complex is incapable of inducing peroxidation. Free radicals generated independent of iron was found to induce peroxidation of mucosal membranes. Gastrointestinal mucosal membranes were found to contain unusually large amount of NEFA. Circulating albumin is known to contain NEFA which was found to inhibit iron induced peroxidation whereas fatty acid free albumin did not have any effect. Addition of individual fatty acids to this albumin restored its inhibitory capacity among which monounsaturated fatty acids were more effective. These studies have shown that iron induced lipid peroxidation damage is prevented by the presence of nonesterified fatty acids.

Respiratory muscle perfusion in ponies during prolonged submaximal exercise in thermoneutral environment

Distribution of blood flow among various respiratory muscles was examined in 8 healthy ponies during submaximal exercise lasting 30 minutes, using radionuclide labeled 15-microns diameter microspheres injected into the left ventricle. From the resting values (40 +/- 2 beats/min; 37.3 +/- 0.2 C), heart rate and pulmonary arterial blood temperature increased significantly at 5 (152 +/- 8 beats/min; 38.6 +/- 0.2 C), 15 (169 +/- 6 beats/min; 39.8 +/- 0.2 C), and 26 (186 +/- 8 beats/min; 40.8 +/- 0.2 C) minutes of exertion, and the ponies sweated profusely. Mean aortic pressure also increased progressively as exercise duration increased. Blood flow increased significantly with exercise in all respiratory muscles. Among inspiratory muscles, perfusion was greatest in the diaphragm and ventral serratus, compared with external intercostal, dorsal serratus, and scalenus muscles. Among expiratory muscles, blood flow in the internal abdominal oblique muscle was greatest, followed by that in internal intercostal and transverse thoracic muscles, in which the flow values remained similar. The remaining 3 abdominal muscles had similar blood flow, but these values were less than that in the internal intercostal, transverse thoracic, and internal abdominal oblique muscles. Blood flow values for all inspiratory and expiratory muscles remained similar for the 5 and 15 minutes of exertion. However, at 26 minutes, blood flow had increased further in the diaphragm, external intercostal, internal intercostal, transverse thoracic, and the external abdominal oblique muscle as vascular resistance decreased. On the basis of our findings, all respiratory muscles were activated during submaximal exercise and their perfusion had marked heterogeneity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differential regulation of antioxidant enzymes in response to oxidants

We have demonstrated the selective induction of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) or catalase mRNA after exposure of tracheobronchial epithelial cells in vitro to different oxidant stresses. Addition of H2O2 caused a dose-dependent increase in catalase mRNA in both exponentially growing and confluent cells. A 3-fold induction of catalase mRNA was seen at a nontoxic dose of 250 microM H2O2. Increase in the steady-state mRNA levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and MnSOD were less striking. Expression of catalase, MnSOD, and GPX mRNA was highest in confluent cells. In contrast, constitutive expression of copper and zinc SOD (CuZnSOD) mRNA was greatest in dividing cells and was unaffected by H2O2 in both exponentially growing and confluent cells. MnSOD mRNA was selectively induced in confluent epithelial cells exposed to the reactive oxygen species-generating system, xanthine/xanthine oxidase, while steady-state levels of GPX, catalase, and CuZnSOD mRNA remained unchanged. The 3-fold induction of MnSOD mRNA was dose-dependent, reaching a peak at 0.2 unit/ml xanthine oxidase. MnSOD mRNA increases were seen as early as 2 h and reached maximal induction at 24 h. Immunoreactive MnSOD protein was produced in a corresponding dose- and time-dependent manner. Induction of MnSOD gene expression was prevented by addition of actinomycin D and cycloheximide. These data indicate that epithelial cells of the respiratory tract respond to different oxidant insults by selective induction of certain antioxidant enzymes. Hence, gene expression of antioxidant enzymes does not appear to be coordinately regulated in these cell types.

Diaphragmatic energetics during prolonged exhaustive exercise

The present study was carried out to examine diaphragmatic O2 extraction and lactate and ammonia production during prolonged exhaustive exercise. Experiments were performed on nine healthy exercise-conditioned ponies in which catheters had been implanted in the phrenic vein previously. Blood-gas variables and lactate and ammonia concentrations were determined on simultaneously obtained arterial and phrenic-venous blood samples at rest and during 30 min of exertion at 15 mph + 7% grade (heart rate, 200 beats/min; approximately 90% of maximum). Arterial O2 tension and saturation were maintained near resting value but CO2 tension decreased markedly with exercise, and because of increased hemoglobin concentration, arterial O2 content rose. Concomitantly, phrenic venous O2 tension, saturation and content decreased markedly (23.6 +/- 1 mm Hg, 24.5 +/- 2%, 5.2 +/- 0.3 ml/dl at 3 min of exertion) and significant fluctuations did not occur as exercise duration progressed to 30 min. Diaphragmatic arteriovenous O2 content difference and O2 extraction rose from 4 +/- 0.3 to 16 +/- 0.5 ml/dl and from 30 +/- 3 to 75 +/- 1% at 3 min of exercise, and significant deviations did not occur as exercise duration progressed. Arterial lactate and ammonia levels increased during exercise, indicating their release from working limb muscles. Phrenic-venous values of lactate and ammonia did not exceed arterial values. Ponies sweated profusely and were unable to keep up with the belt speed in the last 4 to 5 min of exercise. Constancy of phrenic arteriovenous O2 content difference in exercise indicated ability to adjust perfusion in diaphragm so as to adequately meet its O2 needs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Studies on cytosolic superoxide dismutase from intestinal mucosa

CuZn superoxide dismutase from monkey (Macaca radiata) intestinal mucosa was purified to homogenity. The enzyme showed a subunit molecular weight of 16000. The enzyme preparation from intestinal mucosa of rat, rabbit, guinea-pig and monkey was distinctly different in electrophoretic mobility and in elution profile on ion-exchange chromatography, possibly due to their difference in charge. The difference may not be due to glycosylation, since the enzyme was not stained for glycoprotein. Polyclonal antibody against purified monkey enzyme inhibited the activity of intestinal CuZn superoxide dismutase from rat, rabbit and guinea-pig. Thus it appears that intestinal CuZn superoxide dismutases from different sources, despite being similar in immunological and other properties, differ in certain amino acids and hence in charge.

Diaphragm does not produce ammonia or lactate during high-intensity short-term exercise

To ascertain whether costal diaphragm engages in ammonia and lactate production (like limb muscles) during high-intensity short-term exercise, experiments were carried out on six healthy trained ponies in which phrenic venous catheters had been implanted 5-9 days earlier. Simultaneous anaerobically obtained blood samples from abdominal aorta and the phrenic vein at rest and during 4 min of exertion at 32 km/h and at a 7% grade were analyzed for blood-gas variables as well as lactate and ammonia concentrations using standard procedures. At rest, heart rate was 47 +/- 4 beats/min and the diaphragmatic O2 extraction was 26.5%. With exercise, heart rate rose to 218 +/- 6 beats/min, marked acidosis and hyperventilation occurred, and the diaphragmatic O2 extraction increased threefold (80.9%). Such exercise is known to dramatically increase the work of breathing as respiratory frequency and change in pleural pressure approach 138 +/- 4 breaths/min and 30 +/- 3 cmH2O, respectively. Despite the fact that phrenic-venous O2 tension of exercised ponies decreased to 15.5 +/- 0.6 Torr, the phrenic-venous lactate and ammonia concentrations did not exceed corresponding arterial values. These data thus revealed that the diaphragm is uniquely unlike limb muscles, which at high workloads readily engage in net ammonia and lactate production, and that the diaphragmatic energy needs during high-intensity short-term exercise are primarily met by aerobic metabolism.

Effect of age on isoproterenol-induced maximal heart rate in horses

The effect of age on maximal heart rate induced by IV infusion of isoproterenol was studied in 19 healthy, sedentary, normothermic horses ranging in age from 0.25 to 9.90 years. Isoproterenol was administered IV (1.0 micrograms/kg of body weight/min) for 3 minutes, and the heart rate attained during the last 30 seconds of the infusion was determined. Linear regression of the maximal heart rate on age suggested that the rate decreased with age in a trend described by the equation: maximal heart rate (beats/min) = 209.63 - 3.28 x age (years). The regression coefficient (r) for this relation was 0.769 (P less than 0.001). These data indicate that as healthy horses age, their beta-adrenoceptor-mediated maximal chronotropic response is diminished.

Isoproterenol-induced maximal heart rate in normothermic and hyperthermic horses

The heart rate (HR) induced by maximal beta-adrenergic activation, which was elicited by infusion of isoproterenol, was studied in 8 healthy horses before (control) and after hyperthermia was induced by IV administration of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). Isoproterenol was administered IV at 1.0 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 3 minutes, and the HR was determined during the final 30 seconds of the infusion. As the rectal temperature increased (P less than 0.001) from 38.2 +/- 0.1 C (mean +/- SEM; normothermic control) to 40.1 +/- 0.1 C at 60 minutes after DNP administration, the isoproterenol-induced HR also increased from 198 +/- 4 beats/min (control) to 214 +/- 4 beats/min (P less than 0.001). It appeared that the values of HR achieved with maximal beta-adrenergic activation were augmented by the hypermetabolic, hyperthermic state induced by DNP.

Tracheobronchial perfusion during exercise in ponies

Tracheobronchial circulation during exercise has previously not been examined. Therefore blood flow to the trachea and bronchi (up to 7th generation of branching) was studied in seven healthy adult ponies at rest and during the 3rd and 10th min of exercise performed at a treadmill speed setting of 25 km/h. The ambient air temperature varied from 19 to 20 degrees C and humidity from 35 to 45%. To determine blood flow radionuclide-labeled 15-microns-diameter microspheres were injected into the left ventricle via a catheter advanced from the left carotid artery (exposed using local anesthesia), and a reference sample was obtained from the aorta. Adequate mixing of microspheres with blood was demonstrated by similar perfusion values for left and right kidneys. Exercise increased heart rate (194 +/- 9 and 200 +/- 7 beats/min) and mean aortic pressure (169 +/- 8 and 156 +/- 4 mmHg) of ponies at 3rd and 10th min. Tracheal blood flow (6.7 +/- 0.5 ml.min-1 x 100 g-1) of resting ponies was only one-third of the bronchial blood flow (21.6 +/- 4.9 ml.min-1 x 100 g-1) Significant changes in tracheal perfusion did not occur at 3rd or 10th min of exercise. Although bronchial perfusion also did not change at the 3rd min of exercise, it rose dramatically to 202.8 +/- 30.3 ml.min-1 x 100 g-1 during the 10th min. Concomitantly, renal blood flow decreased at 10th min of exertion. The large increase in bronchial blood flow at 10th min of exertion may have been necessitated by the need to help dissipate body heat.

Diaphragmatic perfusion heterogeneity during exercise with inspiratory resistive breathing

Regional distribution of diaphragmatic blood flow (Q; 15-microns-diam radionuclide-labeled microspheres) was studied in normal (n = 7) and laryngeal hemiplegic (LH; n = 7) ponies to determine whether the added stress of inspiratory resistive breathing during maximal exercise may cause 1) redistribution of diaphragmatic Q and 2) crural diaphragmatic Q to exceed that in maximally exercising normal ponies. LH-induced augmentation of already high exertional work of breathing resulted in diminished locomotor exercise capacity so that maximal exercise in LH ponies occurred at 25 km/h compared with 32 km/h for normal ponies. The costal and crural regions received similar Q in both groups at rest. However, exercise-induced increments in perfusion were significantly greater in the costal region of the diaphragm. At 25 km/h, costal diaphragmatic perfusion was 154 and 143% of the crural diaphragmatic Q in normal and LH ponies. At 32 km/h, Q in costal diaphragm of normal ponies was 136% of that in the crural region. Costal and crural diaphragmatic Q in LH ponies exercised at 25 km/h exceeded that for normal ponies but was similar to the latter during exercise at 32 km/h. Perfusion pressure for the three conditions was also similar. It is concluded that diaphragmatic perfusion heterogeneity in exercising ponies was preserved during the added stress of inspiratory resistive breathing. It was also demonstrated that vascular resistance in the crural and costal regions of the diaphragm in maximally exercised LH ponies remained similar to that in maximally exercising normal ponies.

Inspiratory and expiratory muscle perfusion in maximally exercised ponies

The present study was carried out on seven healthy ponies to examine the extent of blood flow in various inspiratory and expiratory muscles at rest and during maximal exertion as well as to determine the proportion of cardiac output needed to perfuse respiratory muscles during these conditions. Tissue blood flow was studied with 15 micron-diameter radionuclide-labeled microspheres injected into the left ventricle during steady conditions. The inspiratory and expiratory muscles comprised 2.41 and 3.05% of body weight, respectively, and received 6.17 and 3.75% of the cardiac output at rest. With maximal exercise, heart rate (from 55 +/- 3 to 218 +/- 4 beats/min), mean aortic pressure (from 125 +/- 5 to 170 +/- 6 mmHg), and cardiac output (from 96 +/- 11 to 730 +/- 78 ml.min-1.kg-1) increased markedly. During exercise blood flow increased significantly in all respiratory muscles (P less than 0.0001) as vascular resistance decreased precipitously. Marked heterogeneity of perfusion existed among various inspiratory as well as expiratory muscles during exercise. Among the inspiratory muscles, the highest perfusion occurred in the diaphragm followed by serratus ventralis, and among the expiratory muscles, the highest perfusion occurred in the internal oblique abdominis and the transverse thoracis (triangularis sterni). Collectively, the inspiratory (8.44%) and expiratory (6.35%) muscle blood flow comprised 14.8 +/- 1.2% of the cardiac output during maximal exercise, a significant increase above resting value, whereas renal fraction of cardiac output decreased from 21% (at rest) to 0.72%.

A study of the effect of isoflurane anaesthesia on equine skeletal muscle perfusion

The effects of 1.1, 1.5 and 1.8 MAC (minimum alveolar concentration) isoflurane-02 anaesthesia on skeletal muscle blood flow, 02 delivery and vascular resistance were studied in the non-dependent region of seven healthy normothermic, isocapnoeic ponies. Muscle blood flow was determined with 15 microns diameter radionuclide labelled microspheres that were injected into the left ventricle. Muscle blood flow during anaesthesia was compared to unanaesthetised (control) measurements. Isoflurane administration caused a dose dependent decrease in mean aortic pressure, and skeletal muscle (temporalis, triceps brachii, longissimus dorsi, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, vastus lateralis) blood flow. However, in the masseter, triceps brachii at 1.1 and 1.5 MAC, and longissimus dorsi lumborum at 1.1 MAC anaesthesia, blood flow values were not different from the control value. Vascular resistance did not change significantly in any of the muscles with any concentration of isoflurane. With the exception of the masseter muscle, isoflurane anaesthesia also decreased skeletal muscle 02 delivery. There were no significant differences in the muscle parameters studied between the three concentrations of isoflurane. Because skeletal muscle vascular resistance was unchanged throughout the study, it is possible that there may be an interference of 'autoregulation' in the skeletal muscle vascular beds of isocapnoeic ponies during isoflurane-02 anaesthesia.

Costal vs. crural diaphragmatic blood flow during submaximal and near-maximal exercise in ponies

The present study was carried out 1) to compare blood flow in the costal and crural regions of the equine diaphragm during quiet breathing at rest and during graded exercise and 2) to determine the fraction of cardiac output needed to perfuse the diaphragm during near-maximal exercise. By the use of radionuclide-labeled 15-micron-diam microspheres injected into the left atrium, diaphragmatic and intercostal muscle blood flow was studied in 10 healthy ponies at rest and during three levels of exercise (moderate: 12 mph, heavy: 15 mph, and near-maximal: 19-20 mph) performed on a treadmill. At rest, in eucapnic ponies, costal (13 +/- 3 ml.min-1.100 g-1) and crural (13 +/- 2 ml.min-1.100 g-1) phrenic blood flows were similar, but the costal diaphragm received a much larger percentage of cardiac output (0.51 +/- 0.12% vs. 0.15 +/- 0.03% for crural diaphragm). Intercostal muscle perfusion at rest was significantly less than in either phrenic region. Graded exercise resulted in significant progressive increments in perfusion to these tissues. Although during exercise, crural diaphragmatic blood flow was not different from intercostal muscle blood flow, these values remained significantly less (P less than 0.01) than in the costal diaphragm. At moderate, heavy, and near-maximal exercise, costal diaphragmatic blood flow (123 +/- 12, 190 +/- 12, and 245 +/- 18 ml.min-1.100 g-1) was 143%, 162%, and 162%, respectively, of that for the crural diaphragm (86 +/- 10, 117 +/- 8, and 151 +/- 14 ml.min-1.100 g-1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Costal diaphragmatic O2 and lactate extraction in laryngeal hemiplegic ponies during exercise

Diaphragmatic O2 and lactate extraction were examined in seven healthy ponies during maximal exercise (ME) carried out without, as well as with, inspiratory resistive breathing. Arterial and diaphragmatic venous blood were sampled simultaneously at rest and at 30-s intervals during the 4 min of ME. Experiments were carried out before and after left laryngeal hemiplegia (LH) was produced. During ME, normal ponies exhibited hypocapnia, hemoconcentration, and a decrease in arterial PO2 (PaO2) with insignificant change in O2 saturation. In LH ponies, PaO2 and O2 saturation decreased well below that in normal ponies, but because of higher hemoglobin concentration, arterial O2 content exceeded that in normal ponies. Because of their high PaCO2 during ME, acidosis was more pronounced in LH animals despite similar lactate values. Diaphragmatic venous PO2 and O2 saturation decreased with ME to 15.5 +/- 0.9 Torr and 18 +/- 0.5%, respectively, at 120 s of exercise in normal ponies. In LH ponies, corresponding values were significantly less: 12.4 +/- 1.3 Torr and 15.5 +/- 0.7% at 120 s and 9.8 +/- 1.4 Torr and 14.3 +/- 0.6% at 240 s of ME. Mean phrenic O2 extraction plateaued at 81 and 83% in normal and LH animals, respectively. Significant differences in lactate concentration between arterial and phrenic-venous blood were not observed during ME. It is concluded that PO2 and O2 saturation in the phrenic-venous blood of normal ponies do not reach their lowest possible values even during ME. Also, the healthy equine diaphragm, even with the added stress of inspiratory resistive breathing, did not engage in net lactate production.

Left ventricular oxygen extraction during submaximal and maximal exertion in ponies

1. Left ventricular (LV) myocardial O2 extraction was studied in five healthy ponies which had catheters implanted in the great cardiac vein and main pulmonary artery 15-30 days before the study. The abdominal aorta was percutaneously catheterized to sample arterial blood. 2. In addition, phasic LV and aortic pressures, LV dP/dtmax and rate-pressure product were also studied; dP/dtmax is the maximal rate of rise of the left ventricular pressure during the isovolumic phase, and is considered an index of myocardial contractility. Measurements were made at rest (control) and during adenosine infusion (3 mumol kg-1 min-1) at rest, moderate exercise (heart rate 169 +/- 10 beats min-1), heavy exercise (heart rate 198 +/- 7 beats min-1), maximal exercise (heart rate 232 +/- 7 beats min-1), and adenosine infusion (3 mumol kg-1 min-1) during maximal exercise (heart rate 230 +/- 6 beats min-1). 3. In resting ponies, LV arterial to coronary venous O2 content difference (delta LVa-v O2) was 8.9 +/- 0.5 ml dl-1 and O2 extraction was 59.9 +/- 2.2%. Adenosine infusion at rest decreased delta LVa-v O2 and O2 extraction precipitously (2.6 ml dl-1 and 14.3 +/- 1.7%, respectively), thereby indicating superfluous LV myocardial perfusion. 4. Moderate, heavy and maximal exercise increased delta LVa-v O2 to 185, 194 and 218% of its control value and O2 extraction rose to 71 +/- 2, 75 +/- 1.5 and 78 +/- 0.9%, respectively. The widening of the delta LVa-v O2 gradient was due to the increased arterial O2 content during exercise. 5. Combining these observations with equine myocardial perfusion, the LV O2 consumption was calculated to be 7.8, 47.9 and 103.6 ml min-1 100 g-1 at rest, moderate and maximal exercise. In order to achieve the 13.4-fold increase in LV O2 consumption, the LV perfusion rose only 6-fold; the rest being met by widening the delta LVa-v O2. 6. Adenosine infusion during maximal exercise decreased delta LVa-v O2 and O2 extraction (10.7 +/- 1 ml dl-1 and 45%, respectively; P less than 0.0001). This indicated that coronary vasodilator capacity was not being completely expended in maximally exercising ponies. It is concluded that coronary circulation is unlikely to be a limiting factor to further exertion in ponies. Organ/tissue perfusion studies in exercising ponies have demonstrated that of all working muscles, the left ventricular (LV) myocardium received the highest level of blood flow.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

An unidentified inhibitor of lipid peroxidation in intestinal mucosa

Lipid peroxidation in vitro was tested by malonaldehyde production in gastrointestinal mucosa and compared with other tissues. It was observed that gastrointestinal mucosa was resistant to both non-enzymatic and enzymatic lipid peroxidation. This was due to the presence of an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation in the membranous fractions of intestinal mucosa. This inhibitor was capable of inhibiting other recognised peroxidation systems, such as liver mitochondria. This effect was confirmed by measurement of diene conjugation and utilisation of arachidonic acid as other markers of peroxidation, in addition to malonaldehyde production. Preliminary characterisation of this inhibitor revealed that it is resistant to proteolysis, non-diffusable and extractable from membranes by organic solvents. It was partially purified by methanol extraction of the mucosa and by three successive preparative thin-layer chromatography steps. The purified material gave a single spot on thin-layer chromatography, using a number of different solvent systems. Mobility of the inhibitor on thin-layer chromatography was different from that of authentic tocopherol, and it was present in the intestine of vitamin-E-deficient animals. These results suggest that the resistance of intestinal mucosa to lipid peroxidation is due to the presence of a novel inhibitor which is lipidic in nature.

Purification and chemical characterisation of the inhibitor of lipid peroxidation from intestinal mucosa

The antioxidant previously isolated from intestinal mucosa has been subjected to further purification and identification. Although this inhibitor moved as a single spot on thin-layer chromatography in a number of different solvent systems, it proved to be a mixture of free carboxylic acids whose relative composition was similar in different batches. Detailed studies involving the use of high-pressure liquid chromatography, combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, high-field 360 MHz proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and other techniques established that the inhibitor was a mixture of carboxylic acids of the following identity and relative composition (the major components comprising 92% of the total fatty acids): palmitic acid, 14.8%; palmitoleic acid, 3.6%; stearic acid, 7.0%; oleic acid, 21.0%; linoleic acid, 27.6% arachidonic acid, 18.0%. Mixtures of authentic fatty acids of the same relative concentration showed inhibition of peroxidation, comparable with the purified inhibitor from intestinal mucosa. A study of the inhibitory activity of the components of the mixture using malonaldehyde estimation, diene conjugation and arachidonic acid estimation showed that the inhibitory activity was due to palmitoleic and oleic acids only, the latter being the major component.

Effect of splenectomy on exercise-induced pulmonary and systemic hypertension in ponies

Large increases in systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures of exercising healthy ponies have been observed. Because exercise causes a considerable increase in PCV of ponies, we examined the effect of splenectomy on exercise-induced changes in systemic and pulmonary pressures. These pressures (taken with catheter-tip micromanometers) and indicator dilution cardiac output were determined on 9 healthy ponies that had undergone splenectomy 4 to 9 weeks before the study. Data obtained at rest and during submaximal (10.5 to 11.0 mph) and maximal (14 to 15 mph) exercise from these ponies were compared with similar data from clinically normal ponies. Following splenectomy, PCV increased by only 4 vol% during maximal exercise, but cardiac output of splenectomized ponies reached values similar to those of clinically normal ponies. Despite this similarity in cardiac output, the systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures of exercising splenectomized ponies increased to significantly lower levels than those in clinically normal ponies (P less than 0.01); total pulmonary vascular resistance and total peripheral resistance decreased to values significantly less than those in clinically normal ponies (P less than 0.01). Thus, it appears that increases in blood viscosity induced by increases in PCV may contribute substantially to the pulmonary and systemic hypertension of exercise in clinically normal ponies.

Diaphragmatic O2 and lactate extraction during submaximal and maximal exertion in ponies

Diaphragmatic O2 and lactate extraction were studied in 10 healthy ponies at rest and during treadmill exercise. The phrenic vein was aseptically catheterized via a lateral thoracotomy 8-35 days before the study. Arterial and phrenic venous blood samples were obtained simultaneously at rest and at 30-s intervals during 4 min of exertion. Three levels of exertion were studied (moderate, 10 mi/h; heavy, 15 mi/h; maximal, 20 mi/h), and a rest period of at least 90 min was allowed between them. Each pony was studied twice at least 2-3 days apart. At rest the diaphragmatic venous PO2, O2 saturation, arteriovenous O2 content difference, and O2 extraction were 43.2 +/- 2.0 Torr, 76.1 +/- 3.2%, 3.14 +/- 0.43 ml/dl, and 23.60 +/- 3.61%, respectively. Significant decrease in phrenic venous PO2 and O2 saturation occurred within 30 s of exercise. Phrenic venous PO2 decreased to 20.3 +/- 1.0, 18.9 +/- 1.1, and 15.4 +/- 0.9 Torr at 120 s of moderate, heavy, and maximal exercise, respectively. Corresponding values of phrenic venous O2 saturation were 33.6 +/- 2.2, 25.8 +/- 2.1, and 17.9 +/- 0.5%, respectively. Diaphragmatic arteriovenous O2 content difference expanded to 13.11 +/- 0.49, 15.00 +/- 0.60, and 16.90 +/- 0.60 ml/dl at 120 s of moderate, heavy, and maximal exercise, respectively, as O2 extraction rose to 65.93 +/- 1.98, 73.90 +/- 1.99, and 80.95 +/- 0.47%, respectively. During heavy and maximal exercise, the diaphragmatic venous lactate concentration remained similar to the arterial concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Systemic distribution of blood flow in ponies during 1.45%, 1.96%, and 2.39% end-tidal isoflurane-O2 anesthesia

Effects of 1.1, 1.5, and 1.8 minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane-O2 (1.45%, 1.96%, and 2.39% end-tidal isoflurane, respectively) anesthesia on cardiac output, blood pressure, and blood flow to the brain, thyroid glands, adrenal glands, kidneys, and splanchnic organs were examined in 9 healthy isocapnic adult ponies. Tissue blood flows were studied using 15-micron diameter radionuclide-labeled microspheres that were injected into the left ventricle, and comparisons were made with data obtained from ponies in the conscious state. Isoflurane anesthesia caused dose-related reduction in cardiac output and arterial blood pressure, but total peripheral resistance was not significantly altered (P greater than 0.05). In the brain, vasodilation occurred with exposure to isoflurane that peaked at 1.5 MAC. Vasodilation was more pronounced in the cerebellum, pons, and medulla, compared with that in the cerebrum. Perfusion increased in cerebellar gray, as well as white, matter. However, in the cerebrum, blood flow increased in the white matter, whereas it decreased in caudate nuclei and was similar to value in the cortex of awake ponies. In thyroid glands and pancreas, intense vasoconstriction occurred during isoflurane anesthesia which caused precipitous reduction in blood flow in these organs. By contrast, adrenal gland blood flow was not affected during the 3 levels of isoflurane anesthesia because vasodilation occurred. The renal blood flow registered dose-dependent reductions during isoflurane-O2 anesthesia, but renal vasoconstriction occurred only during the deepest level (1.8 MAC) of anesthesia. Although the small intestine and and colon blood flow decreased with each concentration of isoflurane, the splenic blood flow remained unaffected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Skeletal muscle perfusion during prolonged 2.03% end-tidal isoflurane-O2 anesthesia in isocapnic ponies

Effects of 1.55 minimum alveolar concentration isoflurane O2 anesthesia (2.03% end-tidal isoflurane) on blood flow in the up-(nondependent) and down-(dependent) positioned skeletal muscles were studied at 60, 120, and 180 minutes in 6 healthy isocapnic ponies in right lateral recumbency on a nonpadded hardwood floor. Measurements were made, using 15-micron diameter radionuclide-labeled microspheres injected into the left ventricle, and comparisons were made with data obtained from ponies in the conscious state. Isoflurane administration caused a sharp reduction in cardiac output and systemic pressure (P less than 0.01), but total peripheral resistance did not change significantly. In the triceps brachii, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, and vastus lateralis of both sides, blood flow decreased significantly during 1.55 minimum alveolar concentration isoflurane anesthesia (P less than 0.01), and fluctuations did not occur with increasing duration of anesthesia. In masseter muscles, perfusion values during the 3 hours of anesthesia were not significantly different from values in awake ponies. Despite the fact that 4 ponies developed marked edema of the dependent masseter muscle, 1 pony without masseter edema developed postanesthetic forelimb lameness and 2 of the 4 ponies with masseter edema had generalized hind limb weakness after anesthesia; significant differences in blood flow between up- and down-positioned muscles were not observed. During isoflurane-O2 anesthesia in ponies, a sharp significant decrease in skeletal muscle blood flow was observed (P less than 0.01). Decreased equine skeletal muscle perfusion during isoflurane anesthesia also may be accompanied by accentuated O2 loss from the arterial blood via the countercurrent O2 exchange between large arterioles and venules.

Transmural coronary vasodilator reserve and flow distribution during maximal exercise in normal and splenectomized ponies

1. Transmural distribution of myocardial blood flow was studied using 15 micron diameter radionuclide-labelled microspheres in six normal ponies and nine splenectomized ponies at rest, and during maximal exercise performed without as well as with adenosine infusion (3 microM kg-1 min-1). The splenectomized ponies were also studied during submaximal exercise performed at 75% of the workload. 2. Maximal exertion in normal ponies increased heart rate (348%), mean arterial blood pressure (40.9%), rate-pressure product (563%), arterial O2 content (43.2%), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (247%). Accompanying these changes, the left ventricular, septal and right ventricular myocardial blood flows increased 419, 500, and 921% above control values, respectively, and the perfusion in all regions became nearly homogeneous. 3. Adenosine infusion during maximal exercise in normal ponies caused further significant increments in transmural myocardial blood flow in all regions as coronary vascular resistance decreased, thereby demonstrating considerable unutilized coronary vasodilator capacity. 4. In splenectomized ponies, with maximal exercise heart rate rose to a similar value as in normal ponies but mean aortic pressure, rate pressure product, pulmonary artery pressure and arterial O2 content were significantly less than in normal ponies (P less than 0.01). 5. Transmural myocardial perfusion in the splenectomized ponies also increased markedly with both exercise intensities and no significant differences were observed. 6. In the left ventricle and the septum of splenectomized ponies, transmural blood flow levels during maximal exertion were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) than in normal ponies. Adenosine infusion during maximal exercise in splenectomized ponies failed to cause further increments in blood flow to the inner layers of the left ventricle and the septum. 7. It is concluded that marked augmentation of arterial O2 content in normal ponies helped limit the increment in left ventricular myocardial perfusion required during maximal exertion, and thereby helped preservation of considerable unutilized coronary vasodilator capacity.

Regional distribution of brain blood flow during maximal exertion in splenectomized ponies

It has been reported in exercising ponies that O2 supply to all regions of the brain increased primarily due to a large increment in CaO2 and it was implied that this may reflect a generalized increase in brain metabolism during strenuous exercise. Splenectomy ameliorates the rise in CaO2 observed with exercise in ponies. Thus, the objective of the present study was to examine changes in regional brain blood flow and O2 supply of splenectomized ponies with sub-maximal and maximal exercise and to compare these data with previous observations in normal ponies. It was reasoned that in the absence of a marked rise in CaO2, the brain blood flow of splenectomized ponies would have to increase markedly if brain metabolism also increased with severe exercise. Regional brain blood flow was studied using 15 micron diameter radionuclide labeled microspheres injected into the left atrium during rest (control) and sub-maximal as well as maximal exertion on a treadmill. It was observed that despite marked arterial hypocapnia and acute systemic hypertension which developed during exercise, blood flow as well as O2 supply in the cerebral cortex, caudate nuclei, cerebral white matter, cerebellar white matter, thalamus-hypothalamus, mid-brain, pons and medulla were not different from control values. In the cerebrellar cortex, however, blood flow and O2 supply increased with both work intensities. Thus, it was concluded that in exercising ponies, metabolic O2 requirement increased in the cerebellar cortex but was most likely not different from control (rest) in other regions of the brain.

Blood flow in respiratory muscles during maximal exertion in ponies with laryngeal hemiplegia

Laryngeal hemiplegia increases the respiratory effort required during exercise. By use of 15-micron-diam radionuclide-labeled microspheres, respiratory muscle blood flows were studied at rest, submaximal exercise (SE), maximal exercise (ME), and ME + adenosine (3 mumol X kg-1 X min-1) in nine healthy laryngeal hemiplegic (LH) ponies to ascertain whether vasodilator reserve in these tissues may be exhausted during SE, which caused maximal respiratory frequency (f) to be reached. Blood flows were also studied in the limb muscles, and data were compared with normal ponies (M. Manohar, J. Appl. Physiol. 60: 1571-1577, 1986). The heart rate, f, and change in pleural pressure in LH ponies during SE were 205 +/- 5 beats/min, 91 +/- 10 breaths/min, and 61.2 +/- 8.7 cmH2O. Corresponding values for ME were 223 +/- 2 beats/min, 90 +/- 7 breaths/min, and 75.1 +/- 5.2 cmH2O. The treadmill speed for SE was set at 75% of that for ME. Mean aortic pressure (161 +/- 9 mmHg), diaphragmatic (206 +/- 27 ml X min-1 X 100 g-1), and intercostal muscle (124 +/- 12 ml X min-1 X 100 g-1) blood flows in LH ponies increased markedly with SE and these values were not different from ME (170 +/- 5 mmHg, 293 +/- 40 ml X min-1 X 100 g-1, 167 +/- 15 ml X min-1 X 100 g-1, respectively). This suggested that maximal vasodilation in the respiratory muscles was achieved during SE. Vascular resistance in the diaphragm and intercostal muscles of LH ponies also remained similar for SE, ME, and ME + adenosine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regional brain blood flow and cerebral cortical O2 consumption during sevoflurane anesthesia in healthy isocapnic swine

Regional distribution of brain blood flow was examined in seven previously catheterized healthy isocapnic swine while awake (control), and during 1.0 and 1.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC--2.66 and 3.99% end-tidal, respectively) sevoflurane anesthesia using radionuclide-labeled 15-micron diameter microspheres that were injected into the left atrium. In six additional pigs, the superior sagittal sinus was also catheterized so that cerebral cortical O2 consumption could be ascertained during these conditions. Control values of blood flow in the cerebral cortical gray matter, white matter, and caudate nuclei were 117 +/- 9, 38 +/- 2 and 105 +/- 8 ml X min-1 X 100 g-1, respectively. At 1.0 MAC sevoflurane, blood flow in these regions decreased to 66, 76, and 75% of respective control values, and these values were not different from those recorded at 1.5 MAC anesthesia. Cerebral cortical O2 consumption decreased by 50 and 52% at 1.0 and 1.5 MAC sevoflurane anesthesia, but the hemoglobin-O2 saturation in the cerebral cortical venous drainage (57 +/- 3% and 69 +/- 3% at 1.0 and 1.5 MAC) consistently exceeded control value (42 +/- 1%), suggesting that cortical O2 supply during both levels of sevoflurane anesthesia remained adequate. In cerebellum, blood flow decreased from 86 +/- 5 (control) to 68 +/- 4 ml X min-1 X 100 g-1 with 1.0 MAC sevoflurane, but returned toward control value at 1.5 MAC anesthesia. The thalamohypothalamic perfusion decreased to 59 and 75% of the control value with 1.0 and 1.5 MAC sevoflurane anesthesia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood flow to the respiratory and limb muscles and to abdominal organs during maximal exertion in ponies

Using radionuclide-labelled microspheres, 15 micron in diameter, we studied blood flow in the respiratory muscles (diaphragm and intercostal muscles), abdominal organs (adrenal glands, kidneys, pancreas, spleen and the small and large intestines), muscles of propulsion (gluteus medius and biceps femoris), and other working (triceps brachii and longissimus dorsi lumborum) and non-working (temporal and masseter) muscles of ponies at rest and during maximal exercise performed on a treadmill. During maximal exercise heart rate, whole body O2 consumption, cardiac output and mean aortic pressure increased 4.4-fold, 38-fold, 8-fold and 1.5-fold of their resting values, respectively. During maximal exertion arterial CO2 tension and arterial pH decreased while arterial O2 content increased by 58% due to a 59.6% rise in haemoglobin concentration. Arterial O2 tension decreased somewhat and the calculated alveolar to arterial O2 tension gradient widened during exertion. During maximal exertion blood flow in the adrenal glands increased while that in the kidneys, spleen, pancreas, small intestine and colon decreased precipitously. Thus ponies exhibited intense vasoconstriction in the renal and splanchnic vascular beds, similar to that reported in man but not in exercising dogs. During maximal exertion stride (and hence respiratory) frequency of galloping ponies was 138 +/- 3 min-1, and the blood flow and O2 delivery in the diaphragm were not different from those in other strenuously working muscles, namely gluteus medius, biceps femoris (muscles of propulsion) and triceps brachii. Blood flow in the intercostal muscles was only 54% of that in the diaphragm at rest, but with maximal exercise it registered a marked increment and the perfusion became similar to that in the longissimus dorsi lumborum, a powerful extensor of the back and loins.

Right heart pressures and blood-gas tensions in ponies during exercise and laryngeal hemiplegia

Right atrial, right ventricular, and pulmonary artery pressures, along with change in pleural pressure, were determined with catheter-tipped micromanometers in two groups of ponies at rest, as well as during moderate (trot; heart rate = 180 beats . min-1) and severe (gallop; heart rate = 220 beats . min-1) exercise performed on a treadmill. Group A (n = 8) ponies served as controls, and group B ponies (n = 6) had laryngeal hemiplegia (LH) induced by sectioning the left recurrent laryngeal nerve 20-29 days before the study. It was observed that LH ponies could not gallop for more than 45-90 s. With both levels of exertion, pressures in the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery increased very significantly in normal ponies. The change in pleural pressure of galloping ponies was 30.4 +/- 2.9 cmH2O, and the respiratory (and stride) frequency was 138 +/- 4 breaths . min-1. During severe exercise in normal ponies, the systolic, mean, and diastolic pressures in the pulmonary artery were 107 +/- 7, 63.5 +/- 4.2, and 46 +/- 4 mmHg, despite the fact that no alveolar hypoxia could be detected. In LH ponies pulmonary artery pressures rose to levels observed in normal ponies, but during galloping, the change in pleural pressure (delta Ppl) (92 +/- 6 cmH2O) was three times that in normal ponies, and there was no synchronization of respiratory (86 +/- 6 breaths . min-1) frequency to stride frequency (142 +/- 3 strides . min-1). Despite these respiratory adjustments (decreased frequency and increased delta Ppl), arterial PO2 decreased and arterial PCO2 increased in galloping LH ponies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of furosemide administration on systemic circulation of ponies during severe exercise

Systemic distribution of blood flow was studied in 11 healthy adult grade ponies, using radionuclide-labeled microspheres (15 micron diameter) that were injected into the left ventricle. Measurements were made at rest, during severe exercise (SE) without furosemide, as well as during SE at 10 minutes and 120 minutes after furosemide administration (1.0 mg/kg, IV). During SE, heart rate, cardiac output, mean aortic pressure, and whole body O2 consumption were 220 +/- 4 beats/min, 720 +/- 44 ml/min/kg, 169 +/- 4 mm of Hg, and 126 +/- 9 ml of O2/min/kg, respectively. With SE performed after furosemide administration, mean aortic pressure decreased from prefurosemide SE value (P less than 0.05), but heart rate, cardiac output, and whole body O2 consumption remained similar to values during SE without furosemide. During SE, blood flow to cerebellar gray matter, pons, and medulla oblongata increased despite marked hypocapnia, but in other regions of the brain, blood flow was unchanged. As arterial O2 content increased by 58% with SE, O2 delivery to all brain regions increased. With SE, adrenal gland blood flow increased, but intense vasoconstriction in the kidneys, spleen, pancreas, small intestine, and colon caused blood flow to plummet. During SE, blood flow in the diaphragm, gluteus medius, biceps femoris (muscles of propulsion), and triceps brachii muscles increased to a similar level, indicating that metabolic requirements of the diaphragm during exercise may not be less than those of other vigorously contracting muscles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regional brain blood flow and O2 delivery during severe exertion in the pony

Regional distribution of brain blood flow (radionuclide labelled 15 microns diameter microspheres) and O2 supply were studied in 11 healthy adult grade ponies at rest and during severe exercise (SE) performed on a treadmill (heart rate = 220 +/- 4 beats X min-1; VO2 = 126 +/- 9 ml X min-1 X kg-1). During SE, the mean aortic pressure increased to 169 +/- 4 mm Hg and the pHa, PaCO2 and PaO2 were 7.213 +/- 0.010, 30 +/- 1 mm Hg and 85 +/- 4 mm Hg, respectively. The hemoglobin concentration increased by 59.6% with SE. Whereas blood flow increased in the cerebellar gray matter (96%), pons (39.5%) and medulla (55.6%), in none of the other brain regions blood flow was different from rest. However, vascular resistance decreased only in the cerebellar cortex. Due to a 58% increment in arterial O2 content with SE, the O2 supply to all regions of the brain increased (P less than 0.01). The latter may be suggestive of an overall increase in brain metabolism during heavy exertion in ponies.

Vasodilator reserve in respiratory muscles during maximal exertion in ponies

Eight healthy adult grade ponies were studied at rest as well as during maximal exertion carried out with and without adenosine infusion (3 microM X kg-1 X min-1 into the pulmonary artery) on a treadmill to compare levels of blood flow in respiratory muscles with those in other vigorously working muscles and to ascertain whether there remained any unutilized vasodilator reserve in respiratory muscles of maximally exercising ponies. Radionuclide-labeled 15-micron-diam microspheres, injected into the left ventricle, were used to study tissue blood flows. During maximal exertion, there were increases above base-line values in heart rate (336%), mean aortic pressure (41%), cardiac output (722%), and arterial O2 content (56%). The whole-body O2 consumption was 123 +/- 11 ml X min-1 X kg-1, and the stride/respiratory frequency of the galloping ponies was 138 +/- 4/min. With adenosine infusion during maximal exertion, mean aortic pressure decreased (P less than 0.05), but none of the above variables was different from maximal exercise alone. During maximal exertion, blood flow in the adrenal glands, myocardium, respiratory, and limb muscles increased, whereas that in the kidneys decreased and the cerebral perfusion remained unaltered. With adenosine infusion during maximal exercise, renal vasoconstriction intensified, whereas adrenal and coronary beds exhibited further vasodilatation. During maximal exertion, blood flow in the equine diaphragm (265 +/- 36 ml X min-1 X 100 g-1) was not different from that in the gluteus medius (253 +/- 36) and biceps femoris (233 +/- 29); both are principal muscles of propulsion in the equine subjects) or the triceps brachii (227 +/- 26) muscles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pressures in the right side of the heart and esophagus (pleura) in ponies during exercise before and after furosemide administration

Pressures in the right side of the heart and esophagus (pleural) have not been determined in the exercising equine subjects. In the present study, 8 healthy ponies were examined to determine the changes in these variables caused by 2 degrees of exercise done on a treadmill (heart rate:183 +/- 5 beats/min [trot] and 220 +/- 6 beats/min [canter]). Measurements were also made during both degrees of exertion 10 minutes and 120 minutes after furosemide (1.0 mg/kg) administration. It was observed that both gaits resulted in significant increases in pulmonary artery, right ventricular, and right atrial pressures. The pulmonary artery systolic, mean, and diastolic pressures during strenuous exertion were 306%, 252%, and 242% of the respective resting values. At canter, when respiratory frequency (138 +/- 4 breaths/min) is synchronized with stride frequency, the delta esophageal pressure approached 30.4 +/- 2.86 cm of water. During exercise 10 minutes after furosemide administration, the increment in right atrial pressure was markedly attenuated. During strenuous exertion 120 minutes after furosemide administration, the right atrial and pulmonary arterial pressures increased, but to a significantly lower level than did the prefurosemide values. However, the mean pulmonary artery pressure was still 240% of the resting value. It is concluded that marked pulmonary hypertension is a consistent feature of moderate, as well as strenuous, exertion in the pony. Although furosemide administration attenuated the pulmonary hypertension somewhat, the significance remains unclear.