Nitric oxide mediates hypoxia-induced cerebral vasodilation in humans.
Nitric oxide (NO) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of peripheral vascular tone. Its role in the regulation of cerebral vascular tone in humans remains to be elucidated. This study investigates the role of NO in hypoxia-induced cerebral vasodilatation in young healthy volunteers. The effect of the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) on the cerebral blood flow (CBF) was assessed during normoxia and during hypoxia (peripheral O(2) saturation 97 and 80%, respectively). Subjects were positioned in a magnetic resonance scanner, breathing normal air (normoxia) or a N(2)-O(2) mixture (hypoxia). The CBF was measured before and after administration of L-NMMA (3 mg/kg) by use of phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Administration of L-NMMA during normoxia did not affect CBF. Hypoxia increased CBF from 1,049 +/- 113 to 1,209 +/- 143 ml/min (P < 0.05). After L-NMMA administration, the augmented CBF returned to baseline (1,050 +/- 161 ml/min; P < 0.05). Similarly, cerebral vascular resistance declined during hypoxia and returned to baseline after administration of L-NMMA (P < 0.05 for both). Use of phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging shows that hypoxia-induced cerebral vasodilatation in humans is mediated by NO.
Van Mil
Annette H M
AH
Department of General Internal Medicine, Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
Spilt
Aart
A
Van Buchem
Mark A
MA
Bollen
Edward L E M
EL
Teppema
Luc
L
Westendorp
Rudi G J
RG
Blauw
Gerard J
GJ
D000328:Adult; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology*; D019323:omega-N-Methylarginine / Q000494:pharmacology
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D019323:omega-N-Methylarginine; D009569:Nitric Oxide