Blood Flow and Blood Pressure in the Internal Maxillary Artery

¹ Department of Physiology, Baylor University College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas

Blood flow in the internal maxillary artery of anesthetized dogs was measured by direct cannulation, using an electromagnetic blood flowmeter. Blood pressure was recorded by the use of a strain gauge, strain analyzer, and ink-writing oscillograph.

Mean blood flow in the internal maxillary artery was 19.5 cc/min, and mean blood pressure was 114 mm. Hg. The calculated PRU was 7.1.

Blood flow was decreased approximately 60 per cent by injection of 0.1 µg. epinephrine and increased approximately 43 per cent by injection of 1.0 µg. acetylcholine.

Blood flow was found to be three times greater in the internal maxillary artery than that previously reported for the mandibular artery. Arterial blood pressure was not significantly different in the two arteries. Peripheral resistance was less in the internal maxillary artery than the reported value for the mandibular arteries.

The respective vascular beds responded similarly to sympathomimetic and parasympathomimetic drugs.