We end by summarizing the current status of microvascular applications of PAT and proposing several future research directions. “
“Please cite this paper as: Billaud M, Lohman AW, selleck screening library Straub AC, Parpaite T, Johnstone SR, Isakson BE. Characterization of the thoracodorsal artery: morphology and reactivity. Microcirculation 19: 360–372, 2012. Objectives:  In this paper, we describe the histological and contractile properties of the thoracodorsal artery (TDA), which indirectly feeds the spinotrapezius muscle. Methods:  We used immunolabelling techniques to histologically characterize the TDA while the contractile properties were assessed using pressure arteriography. Results:  Our results demonstrate that the

TDA is composed of approximately one to two layers of smooth

muscle cells, is highly innervated with adrenergic nerves, and develops spontaneous tone at intraluminal pressures above 80 mmHg. The reactivity of the TDA in response to various contractile agonists such as phenylephrine, noradrenaline, angiotensin II, serotonin, endothelin 1, and ATP, as well as vasodilators, shows that the TDA exhibits a remarkably comparable reactivity to what has been observed in mesenteric arteries. We further studied the different components of the TDA response to acetylcholine, and found that the TDA was sensitive to TRAM 34, a blocker of the intermediate conductance potassium channel, which is highly suggestive of an endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization. Conclusions:  We conclude www.selleckchem.com/products/Decitabine.html that the TDA exhibits comparable characteristics to other current vascular models, with the additional advantage of being easily manipulated for molecular and ex vivo vasoreactivity studies. “
“Please cite this paper as: Wong, Abeynaike, Crack and Hickey (2011). Divergent Roles of Glutathione Peroxidase-1 (Gpx1) in Regulation of Leukocyte-Endothelial

Cell Interactions in the Inflamed Cerebral Microvasculature. Microcirculation18 (1), 12–23. Objective:  The aim of this study was to assess the ability of Gpx1 to regulate leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in P-type ATPase the cerebral microcirculation under inflammatory conditions associated with oxidative stress. Methods:  To induce cerebral inflammation, wild-type and Gpx1−/− mice underwent systemic treatment with TNF or transient focal cerebral ischemia via MCAO. Leukocyte rolling and adhesion in cerebral postcapillary venules were assessed by intravital microscopy. Results:  Absence of Gpx1−/− resulted in increased cerebral oxidant production in response to TNF. Under these conditions, leukocyte rolling in cerebral venules was significantly elevated in Gpx1−/− mice, whereas leukocyte adhesion was lower than that in wild-type mice. Despite this, expression of key adhesion molecules did not differ between the strains. Following MCAO, Gpx1−/− mice displayed significant reductions in rolling and adhesion associated with severe blood flow restriction.