Plasma L-arginine levels in a rabbit model of hypercholesterolaemia.
A novel method for the quantitation of L-arginine in plasma samples has been developed, based on the technique of enantiomer labelling coupled to the capillary gas chromatographic separation of amino acids. Using this technique plasma L-arginine levels have been measured in rabbits fed a 1% cholesterol-containing diet and compared with rabbits fed a standard diet. Blood cholesterol levels were significantly elevated in the rabbits fed cholesterol but no significant difference was found in plasma L-arginine levels between the cholesterol-fed and control animals. No D-arginine was found in any of the plasma samples. It is concluded that the impairment in endothelium-dependent relaxation previously described in this animal model of hypercholesterolaemia is not due to deficiency of plasma L-arginine.
Williams
J
J
Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, U.K.
Lang
D
D
Smith
J A
JA
Lewis
M J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000097:blood*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D002849:Chromatography, Gas / Q000379:methods; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D001120:Arginine; D002784:Cholesterol