Pressure Pulse in Small Arteries

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Abstract
Pressure pulse contours have been obtained in the small mesenteric and intestinal arteries of the dog. The principal change in the pressure pulse during transmission from large to small arteries appeared to be the gradual and progressive development of damping. The pressure drop from the aorta to arteries of 200 µ internal diameter averaged 17 per cent systolic and 12 per cent diastolic. Elevation of blood pressure with norepinephrine or angiotensin decreased the large-to-small artery pressure gradient, as well as the apparent degree of damping. Reduction of arterial pressure following hexamethonium or hemorrhage had the opposite effect. The evidence suggested that arteries of 200 µ diameter and larger function primarily as transport vessels and play no important role in altering the peripheral vascular resistance.