Catecholamine-mediated injury to endothelium in rabbit perfused aorta: a quantitative analysis by scanning electron microscopy.

Perfusion of aortic segments of intact narcotized rabbits by medium 199, containing 10(-6)-10(-4) M adrenalin or noradrenalin, induced morphological injuries to endothelium: local oedema and cell losses, emergence of argyrophilic cells or cells with the widen argyrophilic cell borders. Regional changes of the mean cell density in situ were found by the quantitative scanning electron microscopy. The data obtained supports the possibility of direct injury to endothelium of aorta and large arteries as a result of intravascular infusion of catecholamines or their local therapeutic application.