Absence of role of endothelium in the response of isolated porcine coronary arteries to acetylcholine

Isolated precontracted arteries of various vascular beds relax in response to acetylcholine only if the endothelium is present. One explanation for this is that this drug stimulates the endothelial cells to release a vasodilator substance that in turn relaxes the underlying smooth muscle. To determine whether this mechanism is concerned also in the acetylcholine contraction of isolated porcine coronary arteries transverse strips of the extramural part of the left circumflex artery were used for recording isometric tension in the muscle bath. Dose-response curves for acetylcholine showed no significant difference before and after removal of endothelium. As a functional check on the removal of endothelium, the responsiveness of each preparation to a known endothelium dependent dilator (substance P) was tested before and after removal. These findings suggest that endothelial cells are not concerned in the acetylcholine induced contraction of porcine coronary arteries. Acetylcholine appears to act directly on smooth muscle of the porcine artery.