[Age characteristics of the effect of insulin on smooth muscle cells of the femoral artery].

A study was made of the effects of insulin on smooth muscle cells (SMC) of the femoral artery of rats aged 6-8 and 24-26 months. Insulin hyperpolarized the SMC membrane and diminished the tone of smooth muscles of the vessels. These effects were dependent on the hormone concentration and perfusate temperature. In old animals, the sensitivity of smooth muscles of the vessels to insulin and the response to higher concentrations were reduced. It is believed that the changes described may play a definite role in the mechanisms by which the vascular tone is controlled.