Pressure-Diameter Relation of Rabbit Mesenteric Veins In Situ

Although venous capacitance has been studied in the neurally isolated tissue or in the in vitro vein segment, this is the first study of sympathetic regulation of the pressure-diameter relation in mesenteric veins in situ, where innervation is kept intact. In 25 a!-chloralose-anesthetized rabbits, mesenteric vein diameter (679±27 gm, ranges of 380-1,050 ,tm at initial state) and intravenous pressure were measured continuously at the same site by using videomicrometer and micropressure systems. Intravenous pressure was increased in a stepwise fashion from the baseline of 6-9 mm Hg to -10, -13, -16, -19, and occasionally to -22 or -26 mm Hg by occluding the portal vein with a pneumatic occluder. Each intravenous pressure was maintained for 90-120 seconds or 4-5 minutes until the diameter increase reached a plateau. Pressure-diameter curves were generated for the control state, during celiac ganglion stimulation, and during local tetrodotoxin or intravenous hexamethonium administration. Diameter