Mechanism of the hypertension produced by inhibition of nitric oxide biosynthesis in rats

Abstract

We have examined the effects of inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis on the blood pressure (BP) of anesthetized rats using N-nitro-L-arginine (NOLA). Infusion of NOLA (5, 15, or 60 mg/kg) caused a rise in BP of up to 155 mm Hg that could be prevented (but not reversed) by administration of L-arginine (300 and 600 mg/kg, i.v.). In addition, NOLA (5-60 mg/kg) reduced the duration of the depressor response to acetylcholine (1 μg/kg), but not that of sodium nitroprusside (10 μg/kg). In rats treated with NOLA (15 mg/kg), infusion of the K+ channel antagonist glibenclamide (30 mg/kg) failed to inhibit the residual depressor response to acetylcholine, indicating that this response is not du..