ABSTRACT
This study used an anaesthetized rat model to directly observe changes in diameter of the vessels supplying the sciatic nerve in response to acetylcholine (10-4 M), a muscarinic receptor agonist, and atropine (10-5 M), a muscarinic receptor antagonist. Topical application of acetylcholine resulted in increases in vessel diameter (baseline: 22.0 ± 2.5 µm, acetylcholine: 28.8 ± 3.3 µm), while topical application of atropine resulted in a decrease in diameter (baseline: 26.6 ± 3.2 µm, atropine: 15.5 ± 3.6 µm) of the epineurial vessels. Mean arterial pressure was not affected by either acetylcholine (baseline: 103.8 ± 1.8 mm Hg, acetylcholine: 102.8 ± 3.2 mm Hg) or atropine (baseline: 104.0 ± 1.9 mm Hg, atropine: 105.2 ± 2.2 mm Hg). These data suggest that muscarinic-receptor-mediated responses can affect the diameter of the epineurial vessels at the sciatic nerve. In addition, muscarinic-receptor-mediated responses appear to contribute to baseline diameter of epineurial vessels at the sciatic nerve.
Subject(s)
Arteries/anatomy & histology , Receptors, Muscarinic/metabolism , Sciatic Nerve/blood supply , Acetylcholine/pharmacology , Animals , Arteries/drug effects , Arteries/metabolism , Atropine/pharmacology , Endothelial Cells/drug effects , Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Lectins/metabolism , Male , Pressure , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Sciatic Nerve/drug effects , Sciatic Nerve/metabolismABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nurses are ideally placed to deliver health promotion interventions, including physical fitness, however evidence suggests that nurses themselves are failing to engage in healthy lifestyles; this in turn making them less likely to promote health. It would appear that some nurses are allowing their own values, beliefs and behaviours to hinder this role. We propose these nurses are in breach of the Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) code. Currently nurses self declare their fitness to practice through the NMC, however self-monitoring has been criticized for its lack of reliability. Recruitment of student nurses in the UK does not currently assess physical fitness levels in line with other professionals such as the armed forces, police or fire service. Over half the nursing workforce is now overweight or obese, with alarming levels of inactivity. Physical activity positively correlates with motivation, wellbeing, coping and positive attitude. These attributes in turn impact on employability, retention and absence. This article explores promoting health, focussing on physical activity and discusses innovative ideas to promote physical activity within the nursing Curricula.
