Journal of applied physiology
-
Hypertensive (HTN) animal models demonstrate lower venous compliance as well as increased venous tone and responsiveness compared with normotensive (NTN) controls. However, the extent to which findings in experimental animals can be extended to humans is unknown. Forearm and calf venous compliance were quantified in 9 NTN (23 +/- 1 yr) and 9 HTN (24 +/- 1 yr) men at baseline, after administration of nitroglycerin (NTG), during a cold pressor test (CP), and post-handgrip exercise ischemia (PEI). ⋯ Forearm volume was increased during NTG in HTN subjects only. While venous compliance was similar between NTN and HTN adults, HTN adults have lower forearm venous capacitance (volume) which is increased with NTG. These data suggest that young HTN adults may have augmented venous smooth muscle tone compared with NTN controls.