L-Arginine, a precursor of EDRF in vitro, produces pulmonary vasodilation in lambs

1991 ◽  
Vol 261 (5) ◽  
pp. H1563-H1569 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Fineman ◽  
R. Chang ◽  
S. J. Soifer

There is increasing evidence that resting pulmonary vascular tone is mediated in part by the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRF). Because L-arginine may be a precursor for EDRF synthesis, we studied the pulmonary vasodilating effects of L-arginine at rest and during pulmonary hypertension in 16 intact newborn lambs. At rest, the intravenous infusions of L-arginine (150 mg/kg) had no hemodynamic effects. However, during pulmonary hypertension induced by hypoxia or the infusion of U-46619 (a thromboxane A2 mimic), L-arginine decreased pulmonary arterial pressure by 22 and 27%, respectively (P less than 0.05). The decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure produced by L-arginine was blocked by methylene blue, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, and augmented by Zapranast, a guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase inhibitor (-17.9 vs. -31.2%, P less than 0.05). In addition, L-arginine partially reversed the pulmonary hypertension induced by N omega-nitro-L-arginine, a competitive EDRF synthesis inhibitor, but D-arginine had no hemodynamic effects. This study suggests that L-arginine produces pulmonary vasodilation by increasing cGMP concentrations, supporting the in vitro hypothesis that L-arginine is a precursor for EDRF synthesis, whose availability may become rate limiting during pulmonary hypertension.

1994 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 361-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Spath ◽  
P. J. Sloane ◽  
M. H. Gee ◽  
K. H. Albertine

We examined the hemodynamic response of awake sheep to prolonged endotoxin infusion (10 ng.kg-1 x min-1 for 12 h) and the in vitro endothelium-dependent relaxation of pulmonary arterial vessels excised 12 h after the end of endotoxin infusion to determine whether the development of pulmonary hypertension after endotoxin is associated with loss of endothelium-dependent relaxation. In seven of nine sheep, there was a maintained increase (4–68% of baseline) in pulmonary arterial pressure 24 h after the beginning of endotoxin infusion. The greater the increase in pulmonary arterial pressure in vivo, the greater was the in vitro deficit in endothelium-dependent relaxation of the pulmonary vessels. The maximum in vitro vessel dilation was 59% for pulmonary artery rings isolated from sheep without a sustained increase in pulmonary arterial pressure 24 h after endotoxin. Prolonged endotoxin infusion did not alter the in vitro response of pulmonary arterial vessels to KCl or 10(-5) M norepinephrine. Force development, response to 10(-5) M norepinephrine, and vasodilation in response to acetylcholine were also not altered in pulmonary vessels taken from control sheep and exposed in vitro to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (400 U/ml). Our results suggest that loss of endothelium-dependent relaxation in pulmonary vessels supports the sustained pulmonary hypertension that develops after prolonged exposure to endotoxin.


2006 ◽  
Vol 290 (4) ◽  
pp. L723-L729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oleg V. Evgenov ◽  
Cornelius J. Busch ◽  
Natalia V. Evgenov ◽  
Rong Liu ◽  
Bodil Petersen ◽  
...  

Phosphodiesterase 1 (PDE1) modulates vascular tone and the development of tolerance to nitric oxide (NO)-releasing drugs in the systemic circulation. Any role of PDE1 in the pulmonary circulation remains largely uncertain. We measured the expression of genes encoding PDE1 isozymes in the pulmonary vasculature and examined whether or not selective inhibition of PDE1 by vinpocetine attenuates pulmonary hypertension and augments the pulmonary vasodilator response to inhaled NO in lambs. Using RT-PCR, we detected PDE1A, PDE1B, and PDE1C mRNAs in pulmonary arteries and veins isolated from healthy lambs. In 13 lambs, the thromboxane A2 analog U-46619 was infused intravenously to increase mean pulmonary arterial pressure to 35 mmHg. Four animals received an intravenous infusion of vinpocetine at incremental doses of 0.3, 1, and 3 mg·kg−1·h−1. In nine lambs, inhaled NO was administered in a random order at 2, 5, 10, and 20 ppm before and after an intravenous infusion of 1 mg·kg−1·h−1 vinpocetine. Administration of vinpocetine did not alter pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics or transpulmonary cGMP or cAMP release. Inhaled NO selectively reduced mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary capillary pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance index, while increasing transpulmonary cGMP release. The addition of vinpocetine enhanced pulmonary vasodilation and transpulmonary cGMP release induced by NO breathing without causing systemic vasodilation but did not prolong the duration of pulmonary vasodilation after NO inhalation was discontinued. Our findings demonstrate that selective inhibition of PDE1 augments the therapeutic efficacy of inhaled NO in an ovine model of acute chemically induced pulmonary hypertension.


1990 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 1836-1842 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Fineman ◽  
M. R. Crowley ◽  
S. J. Soifer

We investigated the effects of infusions of ATP-MgCl2 on the circulation in 11 spontaneously breathing newborn lambs during pulmonary hypertension induced either by the infusion of U-46619, a thromboxane A2 mimetic, or by hypoxia. During pulmonary hypertension induced by U-46619, ATP-MgCl2 (0.01-1.0 mg.kg-1.min-1) caused a significant dose-dependent decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure (12.4-40.7%, P less than 0.05), while systemic arterial pressure decreased only at the highest doses (P less than 0.05). Left atrial infusions of ATP-MgCl2 caused systemic hypotension without decreasing pulmonary arterial pressure. During hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, ATP-MgCl2 caused a similar significant dose-dependent decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure (12.0-41.1%, P less than 0.05), while systemic arterial pressure decreased only at high doses (P less than 0.05). Regression analysis showed selectivity of the vasodilating effects of ATP-MgCl2 for the pulmonary circulation during pulmonary hypertension induced either by U-46619 or hypoxia. ATP-MgCl2 is a potent vasodilator with a rapid metabolism that allows for selective vasodilation of the vascular bed first encountered (pulmonary or systemic). We conclude that infusions of ATP-MgCl2 may be clinically useful in the treatment of children with pulmonary hypertension.


1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 735-741 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Fineman ◽  
M. R. Crowley ◽  
M. A. Heymann ◽  
S. J. Soifer

In vitro evidence suggests that resting pulmonary vascular tone and endothelium-dependent pulmonary vasodilation are mediated by changes in vascular smooth muscle concentrations of guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). We investigated this hypothesis in vivo in 19 mechanically ventilated intact lambs by determining the hemodynamic effects of methylene blue (a guanylate cyclase inhibitor) and then by comparing the hemodynamic response to five vasodilators during pulmonary hypertension induced by the infusion of U-46619 (a thromboxane A2 mimic) or methylene blue. Methylene blue caused a significant time-dependent increase in pulmonary arterial pressure. During U-46619 infusions, acetylcholine, ATP-MgCl2, sodium nitroprusside, isoproterenol, and 8-bromo-cGMP decreased pulmonary arterial pressure. During methylene blue infusions, the decreases in pulmonary arterial pressure caused by acetylcholine and ATP-MgCl2 (endothelium-dependent vasodilators) and sodium nitroprusside (an endothelium-independent guanylate cyclase-dependent vasodilator) were attenuated by greater than 50%. The decreases in pulmonary arterial pressure caused by isoproterenol and 8-bromo-cGMP (endothelium-independent vasodilators) were unchanged. This study in intact lambs supports the in vitro evidence that changes in vascular smooth muscle cell concentrations of cGMP in part mediate resting pulmonary vascular tone and endothelium-dependent pulmonary vasodilation.


1994 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 1794-1801 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. D. Jacob ◽  
D. K. Nakayama ◽  
I. Seki ◽  
R. Exler ◽  
J. R. Lancaster ◽  
...  

We describe the hemodynamic effects and metabolic fate of inhaled NO gas in 12 anesthetized piglets. Pulmonary and systemic hemodynamic responses to incremental [NO] (5–80 ppm) were tested during ventilation with high- [0.30 inspired O2 fraction (FIO2)] and low-O2 (0.10 FIO2) mixtures. In six animals, inhalation of 40 ppm NO was maintained over 6 h to test effects of prolonged exposure (0.30 FIO2). In the other six animals, pulmonary hypertension was induced by hypoxic ventilation (0.10 FIO2) and responses to NO were tested. Inhaled low [NO] partially reversed pulmonary hypertension induced by alveolar hypoxia; mean pulmonary arterial pressure decreased from 31.4 +/- 2.3 mmHg during hypoxia to 18.2 +/- 1.2 mmHg during 5 ppm NO. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure at 0.10 FIO2 did not fall further at higher [NO] (10–40 ppm) and never reached control levels. Pulmonary vascular resistance increased with institution of hypoxic ventilation and fell with subsequent administration of NO, ultimately reaching control levels. Inhaled NO did not affect systemic vascular resistance. Plasma levels of NO2- + NO3- and methemoglobin (MetHb) levels increased with increasing [NO]. Over 6 h of NO administration during high-O2 ventilation, MetHb equilibrated at subtoxic levels while NO2- + NO3- increased. Nitrosylhemoglobin, analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectrophotometry was not detected in blood at any time. At the relatively low concentrations (5–80 ppm) that are effective in relieving experimental pulmonary hypertension induced by alveolar hypoxia, inhaled NO gas causes accumulation of NO2- + NO3- in plasma and a small increase in MetHb but no detectable nitrosylhemoglobin.


2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (6) ◽  
pp. L1361-L1368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Theo Schermuly ◽  
Axel Roehl ◽  
Norbert Weissmann ◽  
Hossein Ardeschir Ghofrani ◽  
Hanno Leuchte ◽  
...  

Inhalation of aerosolized prostacyclin (PGI2) exerts selective pulmonary vasodilation, but its effect is rapidly lost after termination of nebulization. Amplification of the vasodilatory response to inhaled PGI2 might be achieved by phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors to stabilize its second messenger, cAMP. We established stable pulmonary hypertension in perfused rabbit lungs by continuous infusion of U-46619. Short-term (10-min) aerosolization maneuvers of PGI2 effected a rapid, moderate decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure, with post-PGI2 vasorelaxation being lost within 10–15 min, accompanied by a marginal reduction in shunt flow. Preceding administration of subthreshold doses of the PDE inhibitors theophylline, dipyridamole, and pentoxifylline via the intravascular or inhalational route, which per se did not influence pulmonary hemodynamics, caused more than doubling of the immediate pulmonary arterial pressure drop in response to PGI2 and marked prolongation of the post-PGI2 vasorelaxation to >60 min (all PDE inhibitors via both routes of application). This was accompanied by a reduction in shunt flow in the case of aerosolized theophylline (27.5%), pentoxifylline (30.5%), and dipyridamole (33.4%). Coaerosolization of PGI2 and PDE inhibitors may be considered as a therapeutic strategy in pulmonary hypertension.


1992 ◽  
Vol 262 (5) ◽  
pp. H1365-H1371 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Fineman ◽  
R. Chang ◽  
S. J. Soifer

There is increasing evidence that resting pulmonary vascular tone is mediated by the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRF). However, the importance of EDRF release during pulmonary hypertension is unknown. Therefore, in eight newborn lambs we studied the effects of both N omega-nitro-L-arginine (an inhibitor of EDRF synthesis) and L-arginine (a precursor of EDRF synthesis) during pulmonary hypertension induced either by the intravenous infusion of U-46619 (a thromboxane A2 mimic) or by hypoxia. After pretreatment with N omega-nitro-L-arginine, the increases in pulmonary arterial pressure produced by U-46619 (102.0 +/- 34.9% vs. 144.8 +/- 28.6%, P less than 0.05) and by hypoxia (35.6 +/- 17.3% vs. 91.4 +/- 24.8%, P less than 0.05) were significantly augmented. However, after pretreatment with L-arginine, the increases in pulmonary arterial pressure produced by U-46619 (107.0 +/- 21.4% vs. 62.6 +/- 22.6%, P less than 0.05) and hypoxia (44.3 +/- 18.3% vs. 9.2 +/- 11.7%, P less than 0.05) were significantly attenuated. These results suggest that during pulmonary hypertension, EDRF is released to limit the increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and that L-arginine availability becomes rate limiting for further EDRF synthesis and release.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekaterina Borodulina ◽  
Alexander M Shutov

Abstract Background and Aims An important predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis patients is left ventricular hypertrophy. Also, pulmonary hypertension is a risk factor for mortality and cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to investigate cardiac remodeling and the dynamics of pulmonary arterial pressure during a year-long hemodialysis treatment and to evaluate relationship between pulmonary arterial pressure and blood flow in arteriovenous fistula. Method Hemodialysis patients (n=88; 42 males, 46 females, mean age was 51.7±13.0 years) were studied. Echocardiography and Doppler echocardiography were performed in the beginning of hemodialysis treatment and after a year. Echocardiographic evaluation was carried out on the day after dialysis. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured by the echocardiographic Simpson method. Arteriovenous fistula flow was determined by Doppler echocardiography. Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed according to criteria of Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension of the European Society of Cardiology. Results Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed in 47 (53.4%) patients. Left ventricular hypertrophy was revealed in 71 (80.7%) patients. Only 2 (2.3%) patients had LVEF<50%. At the beginning of hemodialysis correlation was detected between systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and LVMI (r=0.52; P<0.001). Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (r=-0.20; P=0.04). After a year of hemodialysis treatment LVMI decreased from 140.49±42.95 to 123.25±39.27 g/m2 (р=0.006) mainly due to a decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (from 50.23±6.48 to 45.13±5.24 mm, p=0.04) and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure decreased from 44.83±14.53 to 39.14±10.29 mmHg (р=0.002). Correlation wasn’t found between systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and arteriovenous fistula flow (r=0.17; p=0.4). Conclusion Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed in half of patients at the beginning of hemodialysis treatment. Pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients was associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, systolic left ventricular dysfunction. After a year-long hemodialysis treatment, a regress in left ventricular hypertrophy and a partial decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure were observed. There wasn’t correlation between arteriovenous fistula flow and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure.


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