skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Cholinergic vasodilator mechanism in human fingers

Journal Article · · Am. J. Physiol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5871998

The effect of a cholinergic agonist and antagonist on finger blood flow (FBF) was studied in 10 normal subjects. Total finger blood flow was measured by venous occlusion, air plethysmography, and capillary blood flow (FCF) by the disappearance rate of a radio-isotope from a fingertip injection. Methacholine in doses of 10-80 ..mu..g/min was given by constant infusion via a brachial artery catheter. Average FBF and vascular resistance were not significantly affected. However, the half time (t/sub 1/2/) of the disappearance rate decreased from 50.8 +/- 13.4 to 11.1 +/- 1.5 min; a decrease occurred in all subjects. In seven subjects, atropine (0.2 mg) had no affect alone but inhibited the effect of methacholine on FCF and prevented the redness and sweating of the forearm and hand that occurs with this agent. This study demonstrates a muscarinic cholinergic vasodilator mechanism in the fingertip that uniquely increase capillary blood flow.

Research Organization:
Boston Univ. Medical Center, MA
OSTI ID:
5871998
Journal Information:
Am. J. Physiol.; (United States), Vol. 252:3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

Radionuclide assessment of peripheral hemodynamics: a new technique for measurement of forearm blood volume and flow
Journal Article · Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · J. Nucl. Med.; (United States) · OSTI ID:5871998

Cholinergic inhibition of adrenergic neurosecretion in the rabbit iris-ciliary body
Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1988 · Invest. Ophthalmol. Visual Sci.; (United States) · OSTI ID:5871998

Cholinergic inhibition of adrenergic neurosecretion in the rabbit iris-ciliary body
Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1988 · Invest. Ophthalmol. Visual Sci.; (United States) · OSTI ID:5871998