Does peripheral collateralization also cause collateralization in the canine heart?

1. Experiments were conducted in chronically prepared dogs to determine if gradual obstruction of the proximal femoral arteries would also cause collateralization in the coronary circulation. 2. Peripheral coronary pressure was measured before and after peripheral collateralization as an index of coronary collateral function. Coronary collateral blood flow was measured with radioactive microspheres after peripheral collateralization. 3. Peripheral coronary pressure was not significantly altered by peripheral collateralization. Coronary collateral blood flow measured after peripheral collateralization was similar to that reported in non-collateralized hearts. 4. Results indicated that the mechanism(s) responsible for peripheral collateralization do not act systemically, at least not on the coronary circulation.