PROSTACYCLIN AND PROSTAGLANDIN SYNTHESIS IN RAT-BRAIN MICRO-VESSELS - CHARACTERISTIC CHANGES IN HYPOXEMIA

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  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 32  (3-4) , 291-300
Abstract
The effects of hypoxemia on the synthesis of prostacyclin and prostaglandins [PG] in the cerebral microvessels and on the ultrastructure of brain cortex capillaries were investigated in 3 groups of rats. Series I: rat embryos were kept in hypoxic-hypobaric condition for 42 h which resulted in the enhancement of synthesis of PGF and PGE2 even 2 mo. after birth. The fine structure of the capillary endothelium remained without any pathological change. Series II: adult male rats were on hypoxic-hypobaric environment for 42 h. There was a slight increase in the synthesis of PGE2 and PGD2 while the ultrastructure of brain capillaries was normal. Series III: the hypoxic-hypobaric condition lasted for 240 h in adult male rats. This long term hypoxemia affected greatly the PG synthesis of brain cortex capillaries and resulted in changes in the fine structure of brain microvessels as well. The possible molecular mechanism activated by hypoxemia in brain capillaries is discussed.