Local effect of adenosine mono-, di-, and triphosphate vessel resistance

¹ Biophysics Division, US Army Medical Research Laboratory, Fort Knox, Kentucky

The local effects of adenosine mono-, di-, and triphosphate (AMP, ADP, and ATP) on resistance to blood flow through large and small vessels of the forelimb were studied in 14 anesthetized dogs. This was accomplished by holding blood flow constant to the forelimb while pressures in the brachial artery, cephalic vein, and a small artery and vein in the forepaw were recorded. Acute local elevation of plasma AMP, ADP, and ATP concentration greatly decreased resistance to blood flow in the small vessels over a wide dose range. It is concluded that AMP, ADP, and ATP act primarily on small vessels, and particularly arterioles, to produce active vasodilatation.