Effects of free radical generation on mouse pial arterioles: probable role of hydroxyl radicals.

Mouse pial arterioles were exposed to the free radical-generating reactants acetaldehyde and xanthine oxidase. Concentrations of 0.5 mM acetaldehyde and 0.1 U/ml xanthine oxidase caused reversible dilations, whereas higher concentrations produced initial constrictions followed by reversible dilations. The following free radical scavengers inhibited the dilation when added to the lower concentrations of reactants: superoxide dismutase, a superoxide scavenger; catalase, an H2O2 scavenger; and mannitol, a hydroxyl scavenger. In addition, pretreatment of the animal with dimethyl sulfoxide, a hydroxyl scavenger, also inhibited the response. The scavengers were also tested against either the dilation produced by increased inspired CO2 or against the dilation produced by local application of 10(-3) M papaverine. No significant effect was observed. The data support the hypothesis that hydroxyl radicals can dilate pial arterioles, since all the scavengers can ultimately reduce levels of hydroxyl generated by acetaldehyde plus xanthine oxidase.