Effect of electron radiation on vasomotor function of the left anterior descending coronary artery

Abstract

The left anterior descending (LAD, interventricular) coronary artery provides the blood supply to the mid-region of the heart and is a major site of vessel stenosis. Changes in LAD function can have major effects on heart function. In this report, we examined the effect of electron simulated solar particle event (eSPE) radiation on LAD function in a porcine animal model. Vasodilatory responses to adenosine diphosphate (ADP; 10−9 – 10−4 M), bradykinin (BK; 10−11 – 10−6 M), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 10−10 – 10−4 M) were assessed. The LAD arteries from Control (non-irradiated) and the eSPE (irradiated) animals were isolated and exhibited a similar relaxation response following treatment with either ADP or SNP. In contrast, a significantly reduced relaxation response to BK treatment was observed in the eSPE irradiated group, compared to the control group. These data demonstrate that simulated SPE radiation exposure alters LAD function.

A Review of Radiation-Induced Coagulopathy and New Findings to Support Potential Prevention Strategies and Treatments

“…It is well established that radiation induces endothelial cell dysfunction (69–72). Notably, endothelial dysfunction is also known as endothelial activation, a term that is more frequently used now to refer to other characteristics, in addition to the well-established changes in vascular tone, that describe an altered state of endothelial cells.…”