MATURATIONAL CHANGES IN ENDOTHELIUM-DERIVED RELAXATIONS IN NEWBORN PIGLET PULMONARY CIRCULATION

It is accepted knowledge that the endothelium can profoundly affect vascular tone through the release of vasoactive substances. The maturational changes in the role of the endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and ATP-dependent K+ channels in the neonatal pulmonary circulation were investigated in isolated perfused lungs from 1- and 7-day-old piglets. The EDRF inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), had potent dose-dependent constrictor effects on the pulmonary vasculature with normal and raised tone. The constrictor effect of L-NNA was greater (P < 0.05) in the 1-day-old than in the 7-day-old lungs and was significantly (P < 0.005) attenuated by pretreatment with the EDRF precursor, L-arginine. Furthermore, we studied the possibility of developmental changes in the sensitivity of smooth muscle cells to EDRF by testing sodium nitroprusside, nitric oxide, and 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcGMP). All caused a decrease in perfusion pressure, but only sodium nitroprusside elicited a greater (P < 0.01) effect in the 1-day-old. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and bradykinin (BK) elicited dilator responses that were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the presence Of L-NNA. Interestingly, the dilator response to ET-1 was more marked (P < 0.001) in the younger group, whereas no age difference was noted with BK. Finally, lemakalim, a K+ channel activator, caused a vasodilation of equal magnitude at both ages. In summary, EDRF and ATP-dependent K+ channels appear to play a role in the control of the newborn piglet pulmonary vasculature. The age-dependent changes involving the release and action of EDRF could be related to maturational changes in the number and/or type of receptors. These facts suggest that EDRF may participate in the postnatal adaptation of the pulmonary circulation.