Facial vein in the rabbit. Neurogenic vasodilation mediated by beta-adrenergic receptors.

A segment of the facial vein of the rabbit, that opposite the buccal cavity, responds to norepinephrine (NE) and opposite the buccal cavity, responds to norepinephrine (NE) and transmural nerve stimulation (TNS) by a brisk biphasic dilation. The dilation in response to both procedures is reveresed by prior exposure to propranolol (10(-6)M). Pretreatment with phenoxybenzamine (10(-5)M) increases the size of the neurogenic response and displaces the NE dose-relaxation curve to the left. Histamine causes a constrictor response exclusively. Sympathetic stimulation of a segment of the facial vein proximal to this buccal segment, and also of the external jugular vein, results in constriction. Light microscopy showed no fequtres which can account for the dilation, and fluorescence histochemistry using a modified Flack technique showed a dense adrenergic nerve plexus extending throughout the thickness of the media. We found that frequency-response characteristics and neuronal uptake of 3H-NE were consistent with findings for a blood vessel with a heavy medial innervation. Also, monoamine oxidase and catechol O-methyltransferase activities were similar to those found in other rabbit veins. Furthermore, these results are consistent with an adrenergic neuroeffector organization in which there is a predominance of beta- over alpha-adrenergic receptors. In conclusion, the presence of a dilator response in this buccal segment of the facial vein may be related to its location in the wall of the cheek, where it may be subjected to considerable stretch.