We previously demonstrated that chronic exposure to intermittent hypoxia (CIH) impairs
endothelium-dependent vasodilation in rats. To determine the time course of this response,
rats were exposed to CIH for 3, 14, 28, or 56 days. Then, we measured acetylcholine-and
nitroprusside-induced vasodilation in isolated gracilis arteries. Also, we measured
endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine, and collagen in the arterial
wall and urinary isoprostanes. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was impaired after 2 …