[Carbohydrate metabolism in the bovine carotid artery contracted by the action of potassium chloride].

The concentration of some end products and the activity of some enzymes participating in carbohydrates metabolism were examined in bovine carotid artery contracted by KCl. Oxygen consumption decreased significantly, anaerobic glycolysis and tissue lactic acid content increased during the KCl contraction. The hexosamines and the uronic acids producing ability of the KCl contracted artery were also higher. During contraction the SDH activity decreased in a smaller degree, cytochrome oxydase activity in a much more important degree. On the basis of our results we can conclude that the complete oxydation pathway of carbohydrates degradation, as mucopolysaccharides synthesis and degradation have an important part in the energy metabolism, but anaerobic glycolysis is the most important pathway to produce energy for the KCl contraction of vascular smooth muscle.