[Experimental study of activity of vessels in the smooth muscles and changes in Ca(++)-ATPase following transplantation of severed limb in rats].

ABSTRACT

240 Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups to study the postoperative activity of smooth muscle of the anastomosed vessel and the response of it to mechanical and chemical (nor-adrenaline) stimuli, together with the changes of Ca(++)-ATPase following transplantation of the severed limb. The results showed that the post-operative circulatory crisis could set in 3 definite periods with different causes (1) paralytic period Within the first 48 hours after operation, no vascular spasm could be provoked anyhow. Should circulatory crisis be found, thrombosis is the most likely cause and prompt surgical exploration with appropriate management is mandatory. (2) Hypersensitive period 49 to 96 hours after operation, following re-establishment of circulation, the smooth muscle of the vessel, having been recovering in function and in ultrastructure from pathological changes, retains its contractability; while Ca(++)-ATPase, a vascular relaxator, has not yet resumed to be active; the vessel becomes hypersensitive to stimuli of any kind. In case of circulatory crisis, vessel spasm is probably the rule. Conservative management with anti-spasmodic drugs is the treatment of choice. (3) recovery period 97 to 240 hours after operation, both the anatomical structure and biological activity of the smooth muscle have returned normal and, the Ca(++)-ATPase has also come to play. So that the smooth muscle of vessel resumes its normal function and becomes relatively stable. However, possibility of vascular spasm exists until the tenth post-operative day has passed.