EMU: Acquisition of a pressure myograph system for the study of microvessel structure and function

• Grant number: 23/17022-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Couto Davel
• Grantee: Ana Paula Couto Davel
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Angelina Zanesco ; Ayumi Aurea Miyakawa Yamaguchi ; Edson Antunes ; Fabiano Beraldi Calmasini ; Helena Coutinho Franco de Oliveira ; Leonardo dos Reis Silveira ; Luciana Venturini Rossoni ; Maria Andréia Delbin

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, representing 32% of global deaths in 2019. In Brazil, about 14 million people have some form of cardiovascular disease, with at least 400,000 deaths occurring annually, accounting for 30% of all deaths in the country. Therefore, understanding and identifying the causes and complications resulting from cardiovascular diseases, as well as potential new therapeutic strategies, significantly impacts the population's health. The current proposal aims to acquire a pressure myograph system, as a FAPESP multi-user equipment (EMU-PMP). The pressure myograph is used to assess the structure, function, and mechanics of small blood vessels, including resistance arteries, veins, and lymphatics, under physiological pressure or flow conditions. The flowmeter generates flow between 15 - 4000 ¼L/min, while the pressure transducer accurately measures pressure values between 0 - 250 mmHg. Changes in vascular diameter, both internal and external, are evaluated in response to physiological stimuli such as flow changes, and consequently, shear stress or intravascular pressure, or pharmacological stimuli, by constructing concentration-response curves to agonists. The pressure myograph provides important data on vascular structure, mechanics, and function in healthy situations and in the presence of risk factors and cardiovascular diseases. This methodology is considered the gold standard for evaluating myogenic response and flow-mediated vasodilation in isolated vessels. These parameters influence vascular resistance, blood pressure, and perfusion of target organs, including the heart, brain, skeletal muscle, pancreas, mesentery, and kidney. This approach is essential for the development of preclinical studies and the discovery of new therapeutic targets and pharmacological treatments for cardiovascular diseases and associated comorbidities. The equipment will allow the development of research projects aligned with UN sustainable development goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 5: Gender Equality, by studies evaluating pathophysiological mechanisms associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as sexual differences in vascular biology. (AU)