Chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis. A new model of arterial hypertension.

MO Ribeiro, E Antunes, G De Nucci, SM Lovisolo… - …, 1992 - Am Heart Assoc
MO Ribeiro, E Antunes, G De Nucci, SM Lovisolo, R Zatz
Hypertension, 1992Am Heart Assoc
Recent studies have indicated that acute inhibition of nitric oxide biosynthesis in the rat
promotes arterial hypertension and renal vasoconstriction. We evaluated the renal and
systemic effects of 4-6 weeks of nitric oxide blockade in Munich-Wistar rats receiving the
nitric oxide inhibitor nitro-L-arginine orally. Age-matched untreated rats were used as
controls. In an additional seven rats, nitric oxide blockade was carried out in conjunction with
oral administration of the novel angiotensin II antagonist losartan potassium. Tail-cuff …
Recent studies have indicated that acute inhibition of nitric oxide biosynthesis in the rat promotes arterial hypertension and renal vasoconstriction. We evaluated the renal and systemic effects of 4-6 weeks of nitric oxide blockade in Munich-Wistar rats receiving the nitric oxide inhibitor nitro-L-arginine orally. Age-matched untreated rats were used as controls. In an additional seven rats, nitric oxide blockade was carried out in conjunction with oral administration of the novel angiotensin II antagonist losartan potassium. Tail-cuff pressure rose progressively in nitro-L-arginine-treated rats, reaching 164 +/- 6 mm Hg at 4-6 weeks, compared with 108 +/- 3 mm Hg in controls. In rats concomitantly receiving losartan, tail-cuff pressure reached 125 +/- 6 mm Hg, still elevated compared with rats receiving losartan alone (98 +/- 3 mm Hg). Nitro-L-arginine-treated rats presented marked renal vasoconstriction and hypoperfusion, as well as a 30% fall in glomerular filtration rate and a 39% increase in filtration fraction. Treatment with Losartan normalized glomerular filtration rate, but not filtration fraction or renal vascular resistance. Plasma renin activity was elevated after nitro-L-arginine treatment. Renal histological examination revealed widespread arteriolar narrowing, focal arteriolar obliteration, and segmental fibrinoid necrosis in the glomeruli. In a separate group of rats, nitro-L-arginine administered for 1 week induced hypertension that was partially reversed by acute L-arginine, but not D-arginine or L-glycine, infusions. We conclude that chronic nitric oxide blockade may constitute a new model of severe arterial hypertension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Am Heart Assoc