Isolated hind limb preparation to study the peripheral vascular resistance

Abstract

A denervated, isolated rat hind limb model was used to study vascular resistance, one of the major determinants of blood pressure. The aim of this work was to assess the potential usefulness of this model to study vascular properties namely, arteriolar resistance, arterial compliance and impedance. Rat abdominal aorta was cannulated proximal to its bifurcation, pressure transducer was connected and hind limb vasculature was perfused at a constant flow rate with a peristaltic pump. Vascular resistance can be calculated as Mean pressureflow rate as flow is set by the experimenter and pressure is  measured. If flow is kept constant, vascular resistance and  compliance are reflected by changes in mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure respectively. Norepinephrine increased mean pressure, but not pulse pressure therefore it increased resistance, but did not change compliance. High potassium increased mean pressure and pulse pressure Therefore it  increases resistance, as well as decreases compliance. The ease of this technique makes this preparation an ideal tool for research and teaching. In conclusion, this will aid in unravelling mechanisms by which blood vessels helps in regulating blood pressure.