Modulation of bat wing venule contraction by transmural pressure changes.

We tested the hypothesis that the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous venular contractions in the bat wing could be modulated by changes in transmural pressure. In one series of experiments, venous pressure in the wing was elevated by pressurizing a box containing the body of the animal while the wing was exposed to atmospheric pressure. During this time, venular diameters were continuously recorded using intravital microscopic techniques while venular pressures were measured through servo-null micropipettes. In another series of experiments, single venular segments were dissected from the wing, cannulated, and pressurized in vitro. The results from both experimental protocols were qualitatively similar; alterations in venous pressure over a narrow range (+/- 5 cmH2O from control) produced substantial changes in contraction frequency and amplitude. The product of frequency and cross-sectional area was maximal over the venous pressure range between 10 and 15 cmH2O. Venules demonstrated a rate-sensitive component in their reaction to rapid pressure changes, because contraction bursts occurred immediately after positive pressure steps and quiescent periods often occurred after negative pressure steps. We conclude that venular vasomotion in the bat wing is modulated by intraluminal pressure and involves a bidirectional, rate-sensitive mechanism. In addition, comparisons with arteriolar vasomotion studies suggest that venules are more sensitive to luminal pressure changes than arterioles.