Reperfusion-induced changes in capillary perfusion and filtration: effects of hypercholesterolemia

Losartan and ozagrel reverse retinal arteriolar constriction in non-obese diabetic mice

OBJECTIVE

Reductions in retinal blood flow are observed early in diabetes. Venules may influence arteriolar constriction and flow; therefore, we hypothesized that diabetes would induce the constriction of arterioles that are in close proximity to venules, with the constriction mediated by thromboxane and angiotensin II.

METHODS

Using nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, retinal measurements were performed three weeks following the age at which glucose levels exceeded 200 mg/dL, with accompanying experiments on age-matched normoglycemic NOD mice. The measurements included retinal arteriolar diameters and red blood cell velocities and were repeated following an injection of the thromboxane synthase inhibitor, ozagrel. Mice were subdivided into equal groups and given drinking water with or without the angiotensin II receptor antagonist, losartan.

RESULTS

Retinal arterioles were constricted in hyperglycemic mice, with a significant reduction in flow. However, not all arterioles were equally affected; the vasoconstriction was limited to arterioles that were in closer proximity to venules. The arteriolar vasoconstriction (mean arteriolar diameters = 51 +/- 1 vs. 61 +/- 1 microm in controls; p < 0.01) was eliminated by both ozagrel (61 +/- 2 microm) and losartan (63 +/- 2 microm).

CONCLUSIONS

Venule-dependent arteriolar vasoconstriction in NOD mice is mediated by thromboxane and/or angiotensin II.

Ozagrel attenuates early streptozotocin-induced constriction of arterioles in the mouse retina

Retinal blood flow in human diabetics has been reported to follow a biphasic time course in which an initial period of reduced flow and ischemia is often followed by a hyperemic and angiogenic phase in which flow can exceed normal levels. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the mechanisms of the initial decrease in flow, since early interventions could provide the most effective treatment strategies. C57BL/6 mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) at 12 weeks of age and remained hyperglycemic until data were gathered 4 or 8 weeks later. Experimental measurements included retinal arteriolar red blood cell velocity and arteriolar diameters, with the diameters measured prior to and following an intravenous injection of the thromboxane synthase inhibitor ozagrel (100 mg/kg). Arterioles leading out of the optic disk constricted significantly at 4 weeks post-STZ (p<0.001) compared to age-matched controls, but not at 8 weeks post-STZ. Calculations of retinal blood flow indicated a 45% decrease at 4 weeks post-STZ, but only a 26% decrease by 8 weeks. Not all arterioles constricted equally in response to STZ; the most substantial constrictions were present in arterioles that were more closely arranged with countercurrent venules leading back into the optic disk. Injection of ozagrel provided significant dilation of constricted retinal arterioles. In addition, the pattern of dilation was consistent with the sites of the most severe constriction, i.e., ozagrel-induced dilation in the STZ mice occurred to the greatest extent in the arterioles more closely paired with the venules draining the microvascular bed. In summary, STZ induces a biphasic alteration in retinal blood flow in mice, in which thromboxane contributes to the initial reduction in blood flow at 4 weeks. Moreover, the thromboxane-induced arteriolar constriction is dependent on the proximity of the retinal arterioles to countercurrent venules.

Arteriovenous pairing: a determinant of capillary exchange

Venuloarteriolar signaling helps mediate microvascular function and dysfunction. Mediators produced at venular sites of inflammation appear to constrict arterioles and increase capillary permeability. In contrast, venules beneficially dilate arterioles to enhance capillary flow according to metabolic demand. These mechanisms are altered with cardiovascular risk factors, contributing to microvascular complications.