Abstract
NG monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), a specific inhibitor of the synthesis of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO), was infused into the brachial arteries of healthy volunteers to study the role of NO in the control of forearm blood flow. L-NMMA caused a 50% fall in basal blood flow and attenuated the dilator response to infused acetylcholine but not that to glyceryl trinitrate. These results indicate that the dilator action of endothelium-derived NO contributes to the control of basal and stimulated regional blood flow in man. Impairment of production of NO might account for the abnormalities in vascular reactivity that characterise a wide variety of disease states.
Publication types
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Clinical Trial
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Controlled Clinical Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Acetylcholine / antagonists & inhibitors
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Acetylcholine / pharmacology*
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Adult
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Arginine / administration & dosage
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Arginine / pharmacology
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Brachial Artery
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Drug Evaluation
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Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism*
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Female
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Forearm / blood supply
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Humans
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Infusions, Intra-Arterial
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Male
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Muscle Tonus / drug effects*
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Nitric Oxide / antagonists & inhibitors*
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Nitroglycerin / pharmacology*
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Regional Blood Flow
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Time Factors
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Vasodilation / drug effects*
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omega-N-Methylarginine
Substances
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omega-N-Methylarginine
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Nitric Oxide
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Arginine
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Nitroglycerin
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Acetylcholine