In vitro Production and Inhibition of Aortic Vasoconstriction by Mercuric, Cadmium, and Other Metal Ions.

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Abstract
Low concentrations of mercuric [Hg] ion induced slow steady contractions of spirally-cut strips of thoracic aorta from normal rabbits. The shortening of the strip was 2. 5% with 10-7 molar and 21% with 10-4 molar Hg ion. Such a contraction was preceded by a latent period and followed by spontaneous relaxation, after which the strip was refractory to the original stimulus. Cd ions did not induce contractions, but did inhibit those induced by lower concentrations of Hg ions. Both Hg and Cd ions inhibited 1-epinephrine; Hg, but not Cd, ions inhibited angiotensin II. Zn ions were inert. Ag, cupric, cuprous, Ba, mercurous, and V ions induced contractions but only in concentrations greater than 10-6 molar. Relatively high concentrations of 2 sulfhydryl-binding agents inhibited contractions induced by the Hg-ions; whereas low concentrations of a chelating agent markedly augmented them.