Endothelium dependence of effects of high P(sub CO2) on agonist-induced contractility of rat aorta

Carbon dioxide modulation of the contractility response of rat aorta to various agonists was examined in tissues with intact or resected endothelium. The presence of an endothelial layer modified the effect of carbon dioxide on the agonist-induced contraction of aortic segments. Eicosanoids are implicated in the mediation of high carbon dioxide partial pressure-induced modulation of aortic responses to two of the three agents tested as cyclooxygenase inhibitors diminished carbon dioxide effects.