Scanning electron microscopy of nasal arterioles effected by vasoactive agents.
Morphological changes in nasal blood vessels induced by alpha- and beta-adrenergic and cholinergic agonists were studied under a scanning electron microscope after removal of extracellular connective tissue and the basal lamina. Arterioles were constricted and dilatated following topical application of alpha-adrenergic and cholinergic agonists. Distinctive morphological changes were observed on their smooth muscle cells. Smooth muscle cells of constricted arterioles had a rugged surface with numerous fine invaginations. However, in dilatated arterioles the cells had a smooth surface and intercellular spaces were clearly revealed. No remarkable changes were produced in smooth muscle cells by the beta-adrenergic agonist. It is concluded that nasal arterioles are sensitive to alpha-adrenergic and cholinergic stimulation but not to beta-adrenergic stimulation.
D000818:Animals; D001160:Arterioles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016210:Methacholine Chloride; D008688:Methacholine Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009666:Nose / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure
D008688:Methacholine Compounds; D016210:Methacholine Chloride; D007545:Isoproterenol; D009638:Norepinephrine