Nasal administration of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME induces daytime somnolence.
In preliminary studies, human subjects complained of drowsiness after aerosolization of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) into the nasal passages. We compared the effects of a nasal aerosol of L-NAME (0.5 M, 4 ml) to those of saline on sleep onset latency and exhaled nasal nitric oxide (NO). L-NAME decreased sleep onset latency and exhaled nasal NO. Vasoconstriction and local effects of L-NAME on NO synthesis are unlikely to explain this effect since oxymetazoline, a vasoconstrictor, decreased exhaled NO but had no effect on sleep onset latency. We conclude that aerosolization of L-NAME to the nasal passages induces daytime sleepiness.
Sippel
J M
JM
Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center and Oregon Health Sciences University, 97201, USA.
Giraud
G D
GD
Holden
W E
WE
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester