Vascular resistance in the perfused isolated rat tail.

1. A constant flow perfusion system using the isolated rat tail has been developed to facilitate the study of resistance vessel behaviour and the action of vasoactive drugs.2. Baseline resistance remains stable for several hours and dose response curves to bolus injections of pressor agents are reproducible when dialysed bovine serum albumen is used in the perfusion medium to maintain osmotic pressure.3. Noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin, vasopressin, angiotensin II, high potassium concentrations and sympathetic nerve stimulation constricted the vascular bed.4. Angiotensin I, bradykinin, histamine, acetylcholine and isoprenaline did not alter vascular resistance under baseline conditions.5. Maximal sensitivity to noradrenaline occurred at 32 degrees to 34 degrees C. Below 30 degrees C, resting tone increased and the pressor effect of noradrenaline was prolonged.6. Low concentrations of (+/-)-propranolol in the perfusate enhanced adrenaline and noradrenaline vasoconstriction, high concentration of (+/-)-propranolol had a direct pressor effect and did not affect catecholamine responses.7. The preparation is a simple and relatively inexpensive adjunct to established methods of studying resistance vessel behaviour under varying experimental conditions.