Axial stretching of extremity artery induces reversible hyperpolarization of smooth muscle cell membrane in vivo

Circumferential stretch due to increases in pressure induces vascular smooth muscle cell depolarization and contraction known as the myogenic response. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivoeffects of axial-longitudinal stretch of the rat saphenous artery (SA) on smooth muscle membrane potential (Em) and on external diameter. Consecutive elongations of the SA were carried out from resting length (L0) in 10% increments up to 140% L0 while changes in membrane potential and diameter were determined in intact and de-endothelized vessels. Axial stretching resulted in a small initial depolarization at 120% of L0 followed by a progressive 20 to 33% hyperpolarizaion of vascular smooth muscle between 130% and 140% of L0. At 140%, an average maximal 10.6 mV reversible hyperpolarization was measured compared to –41.2±0.49 mV Em at 100% L0. De-endothelialization completely eliminated the hyperpolarization to axial stretching and augmented the reduction of diameter beyond 120% L0. These results indicate that arteries have a mechanism to protect them from vasospasm that could otherwise occur with movements of the extremities

Magnetospheric Science Objectives of the Juno Mission

In July 2016, NASA’s Juno mission becomes the first spacecraft to enter polar orbit of Jupiter and enture deep into unexplored polar territories of the magnetosphere. Focusing on these polar regions, we review current understanding of the structure and dynamics of the magnetosphere and summarize the outstanding issues. The Juno mission profile involves (a) a several-week approach from the dawn side of Jupiter’s magnetosphere, with an orbit-insertion maneuver on July 6, 2016; (b) a 107-day capture orbit, also on the dawn flank; and (c) a series of thirty 11-day science orbits with the spacecraft flying over Jupiter’s poles and ducking under the radiation belts. We show how Juno’s view of the magnetosphere evolves over the year of science orbits. The Juno spacecraft carries a range of instruments that take particles and fields measurements, remote sensing observations of auroral emissions at UV, visible, IR and radio wavelengths, and detect microwave emission from Jupiter’s radiation belts. We summarize how these Juno measurements address issues of auroral processes, microphysical plasma physics, ionosphere-magnetosphere and satellite-magnetosphere coupling, sources and sinks of plasma, the radiation belts, and the dynamics of the outer magnetosphere. To reach Jupiter, the Juno spacecraft passed close to the Earth on October 9, 2013, gaining the necessary energy to get to Jupiter. The Earth flyby provided an opportunity to test Juno’s instrumentation as well as take scientific data in the terrestrial magnetosphere, in conjunction with ground-based and Earth-orbiting assets