抄録
The values of b/a and d/a of 2nd derivative photoplethysmogram (PTG) have been shown to reflect distensibility of the arterial wall and peripheral circulation, respectively. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) of pulse waves have often been employed as indices of arterial rigidity and reflected wave from the peripheral sites, respectively. We investigated relations of b/a and d/a to wall distensibility, PWV and AIx in the normal and Kurosawa and Kusanagi-Hypercholesterolemic (KHC) rabbits aged 22-24 months under pentobarbital anesthesia. Pulse waves were measured at different aortic sites using two catheter-tip transducers. PTG was recorded in the left forearm. Diameter of the aorta was measured at different aortic sites using intravascular ultrasonic system. PWV was determined as a velocity from the ascending to distal abdominal aortas. The values of b/a and d/a were significantly higher and lower in the KHC rabbits than in the control rabbits, respectively. Pressure-strain elastic modulus (Ep) was significantly higher in the KHC rabbits than in the normal rabbits in the proximal thoracic and abdominal aortas. The value of b/a showed significant correlation with Ep and PWV in the KHC rabbit group and d/a correlated significantly to AIx of pulse waves at the ascending aorta in the two rabbit group. These suggest that b/a and d/a are as useful indices which reflect PWV and AIx in the KHC rabbit group, respectively. [J Physiol Sci. 2007;57 Suppl:S209]
