Release of vasoactive agents from the isolated perfused human ovary.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate local vascular control in the isolated perfused premenopausal human ovary by measuring flow-induced release of vasoactive substances.


METHODS
Release of adenosine 5' triphosphate (ATP), substance P (SP), endothelin (ET), and vasopressin (AVP) from the ovarian vascular endothelium was estimated in perfusate under basal conditions and during two periods of increased flow.


METHODS
Vascular resistance; ATP, SP, ET and AVP release.


RESULTS
The mean ratio (pressure/flow during increased flow):(pressure/flow at basal flow) was 1.27 +/- 0.04 for the first, and 1.15 +/- 0.05 for the second period of increased flow (n = 10), indicating significant vasoconstriction (P < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively), present to a greater extent during the first period of increased flow compared to the second (P < 0.05). ATP release was seen in response to increased flow (n = 8, P < 0.05). From 12 ovarian bed preparations, five released ET and SP and three of these released AVP. Four of the five perfused ovaries that released peptides contained either a developing follicle or a corpus luteum while all those that showed no peptide release were inactive.


CONCLUSIONS
ATP release may play a role in the local control of the human premenopausal ovarian vasculature independent of ovulatory status. Peptides may also contribute to local vascular control in the ovary and their release from predominantly active ovaries suggests a relationship between ovulation and vascular endothelial function.
Stones
R W
RW
Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, UK.
Vials
A
A
Milner
P
P
Beard
R W
RW
Burnstock
G
G
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D016232:Endothelins / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010053:Ovary / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D013373:Substance P / Q000378:metabolism; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000378:metabolism
D016232:Endothelins; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D014667:Vasopressins; D013373:Substance P; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate