scholarly journals Passive heat therapy improves cutaneous microvascular function in sedentary humans via improved nitric oxide-dependent dilation

2016 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 716-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vienna E. Brunt ◽  
Taylor M. Eymann ◽  
Michael A. Francisco ◽  
Matthew J. Howard ◽  
Christopher T. Minson
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Local Heating ◽  
Microvascular Function ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Heat Therapy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Doppler Flux ◽  
Cutaneous Vascular Conductance

Passive heat therapy (repeated hot tub or sauna use) reduces cardiovascular risk, but its effects on the mechanisms underlying improvements in microvascular function have yet to be studied. We investigated the effects of heat therapy on microvascular function and whether improvements were related to changes in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability using cutaneous microdialysis. Eighteen young, sedentary, otherwise healthy subjects participated in 8 wk of heat therapy (hot water immersion to maintain rectal temperature ≥38.5°C for 60 min/session; n = 9) or thermoneutral water immersion (sham, n = 9), and participated in experiments before and after the 8-wk intervention in which forearm cutaneous hyperemia to 39°C local heating was assessed at three microdialysis sites receiving 1) Lactated Ringer's (Control), 2) Nω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA; nonspecific NO synthase inhibitor), and 3) 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (Tempol), a superoxide dismutase mimetic. The arm used for microdialysis experiments remained out of the water at all times. Data are means ± SE cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC = laser Doppler flux/mean arterial pressure), presented as percent maximal CVC (% CVCmax). Heat therapy increased local heating plateau from 42 ± 6 to 53 ± 6% CVCmax ( P < 0.001) and increased NO-dependent dilation (difference in plateau between Control and l-NNA sites) from 26 ± 6 to 38 ± 4% CVCmax ( P < 0.01), while no changes were observed in the sham group. When data were pooled across all subjects at 0 wk, Tempol had no effect on the local heating response ( P = 0.53 vs. Control). There were no changes at the Tempol site across interventions ( P = 0.58). Passive heat therapy improves cutaneous microvascular function by improving NO-dependent dilation, which may have clinical implications.

scholarly journals Oral atorvastatin therapy increases nitric oxide-dependent cutaneous vasodilation in humans by decreasing ascorbate-sensitive oxidants

2011 ◽  
Vol 301 (3) ◽  
pp. R763-R768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lacy A. Holowatz ◽  
W. Larry Kenney
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Local Heating ◽  
Oxidant Stress ◽  
Microvascular Dysfunction ◽  
Local Skin ◽  
Cutaneous Vasodilation ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Atorvastatin Therapy ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Cutaneous Vascular Conductance

Elevated low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are associated with cutaneous microvascular dysfunction partially mediated by increased arginase activity, which is decreased following a systemic atorvastatin therapy. We hypothesized that increased ascorbate-sensitive oxidant stress, partially mediated through uncoupled nitric oxide synthase (NOS) induced by upregulated arginase, contributes to cutaneous microvascular dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic (HC) humans. Four microdialysis fibers were placed in the skin of nine HC (LDL = 177 ± 6 mg/dl) men and women before and after 3 mo of a systemic atorvastatin intervention and at baseline in nine normocholesterolemic (NC) (LDL = 95 ± 4 mg/dl) subjects. Sites served as control, NOS inhibited, L-ascorbate, and arginase-inhibited+L-ascorbate. Skin blood flow was measured while local skin heating (42°C) induced NO-dependent vasodilation. After the established plateau in all sites, 20 mM ≪ngname≫ was infused to quantify NO-dependent vasodilation. Data were normalized to maximum cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) (sodium nitroprusside + 43°C). The plateau in vasodilation during local heating (HC: 78 ± 4 vs. NC: 96 ± 2% CVCmax, P < 0.01) and NO-dependent vasodilation (HC: 40 ± 4 vs. NC: 54 ± 4% CVCmax, P < 0.01) was reduced in the HC group. Acute L-ascorbate alone (91 ± 5% CVCmax, P < 0.001) or combined with arginase inhibition (96 ± 3% CVCmax, P < 0.001) augmented the plateau in vasodilation in the HC group but not the NC group (ascorbate: 96 ± 2; combo: 93 ± 4% CVCmax, both P > 0.05). After the atorvastatin intervention NO-dependent vasodilation was augmented in the HC group (HC postatorvastatin: 64 ± 4% CVCmax, P < 0.01), and there was no further effect of ascorbate alone (58 ± 4% CVCmax, P > 0.05) or combined with arginase inhibition (67 ± 4% CVCmax, P > 0.05). Increased ascorbate-sensitive oxidants contribute to hypercholesteromic associated cutaneous microvascular dysfunction which is partially reversed with atorvastatin therapy.

scholarly journals Sex- and limb-specific differences in the nitric oxide-dependent cutaneous vasodilation in response to local heating

2014 ◽  
Vol 307 (7) ◽  
pp. R914-R919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna E. Stanhewicz ◽  
Jody L. Greaney ◽  
W. Larry Kenney ◽  
Lacy M. Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Local Heating ◽  
Ringer Solution ◽  
No Synthase ◽  
Site Assessment ◽  
Cutaneous Vasodilation ◽  
Dependent Component ◽  
Doppler Flux ◽  
Cutaneous Vascular Conductance ◽  
Nnos Inhibition

Local heating of the skin is commonly used to assess cutaneous microvasculature function. Controversy exists as to whether there are limb or sex differences in the nitric oxide (NO)-dependent contribution to this vasodilation, as well as the NO synthase (NOS) isoform mediating the responses. We tested the hypotheses that 1) NO-dependent vasodilation would be greater in the calf compared with the forearm; 2) total NO-dependent dilation would not be different between sexes within limb; and 3) women would exhibit greater neuronal NOS (nNOS)-dependent vasodilation in the calf. Two microdialysis fibers were placed in the skin of the ventral forearm and the calf of 19 (10 male and 9 female) young (23 ± 1 yr) adults for the local delivery of Ringer solution (control) or 5 mM Nω-propyl-l-arginine (NPLA; nNOS inhibition). Vasodilation was induced by local heating (42°C) at each site, after which 20 mM NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) was perfused for within-site assessment of NO-dependent vasodilation. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as laser-Doppler flux/mean arterial pressure and normalized to maximum (28 mM sodium nitroprusside, 43°C). Total NO-dependent vasodilation in the calf was lower compared with the forearm in both sexes (Ringer: 42 ± 5 vs. 62 ± 4%; P < 0.05; NPLA: 37 ± 3 vs. 59 ± 5%; P < 0.05) and total NO-dependent vasodilation was lower in the forearm for women (Ringer: 52 ± 6 vs. 71 ± 4%; P < 0.05; NPLA: 47 ± 6 vs. 68 ± 5%; P < 0.05). NPLA did not affect total or NO-dependent vasodilation across limbs in either sex ( P > 0.05). These data suggest that the NO-dependent component of local heating-induced cutaneous vasodilation is lower in the calf compared with the forearm. Contrary to our original hypothesis, there was no contribution of nNOS to NO-dependent vasodilation in either limb during local heating.

scholarly journals Heat therapy vs. supervised exercise therapy for peripheral arterial disease: a 12-wk randomized, controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 316 (6) ◽  
pp. H1495-H1506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley P. Akerman ◽  
Kate N. Thomas ◽  
Andre M. van Rij ◽  
E. Dianne Body ◽  
Mesfer Alfadhel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Peripheral Arterial Disease ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Ankle Brachial Index ◽  
Arterial Disease ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Supervised Exercise ◽  
Heat Therapy ◽  
Peripheral Arterial

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterized by lower limb atherosclerosis impairing blood supply and causing walking-induced leg pain or claudication. Adherence to traditional exercise training programs is poor due to these symptoms despite exercise being a mainstay of conservative treatment. Heat therapy improves many cardiovascular health outcomes, so this study tested if this was a viable alternative cardiovascular therapy for PAD patients. Volunteers with PAD were randomized to 12 wk of heat ( n = 11; mean age 76 ± 8 yr, BMI 28.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2, 4 females) or exercise ( n = 11; 74 ± 10 yr, 28.5 ± 6.8 kg/m2, 3 females). Heat involved spa bathing at ∼39°C, 3–5 days/wk for ≤30 min, followed by ≤30 min of callisthenics. Exercise involved ≤90 min of supervised walking and gym-based exercise, 1–2 days/wk. Following the interventions, total walking distance during a 6-min walk test increased (from ∼350 m) by 41 m (95% CI: [13, 69], P = 0.006) regardless of group, and pain-free walking distance increased (from ∼170 m) by 43 m ([22, 63], P < 0.001). Systolic blood pressure was reduced more following heat (−7 mmHg, [−4, −10], P < 0.001) than following exercise (−3 mmHg, [0, −6], P = 0.078), and diastolic and mean arterial pressure decreased by 4 mmHg in both groups ( P = 0.002). There were no significant changes in blood volume, ankle-brachial index, or measures of vascular health. There were no differences in the improvement in functional or blood pressure outcomes between heat and exercise in individuals with PAD. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Heat therapy via hot-water immersion and supervised exercise both improved walking distance and resting blood pressure in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients over 12 wk. Adherence to heat therapy was excellent, and the heat intervention was well tolerated. The results of the current study indicate that heat therapy can improve functional ability and has potential as an effective cardiovascular conditioning tool for individuals with PAD. Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/heat-therapy-vs-exercise-in-peripheral-arterial-disease/ .

Nitric oxide as a regulator of adrenal blood flow

1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (2) ◽  
pp. H464-H469 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Breslow ◽  
J. R. Tobin ◽  
D. S. Bredt ◽  
C. D. Ferris ◽  
S. H. Snyder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Neural Control ◽  
Splanchnic Nerve ◽  
No Synthase ◽  
Catecholamine Secretion ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Anesthetized Dogs ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Splanchnic Nerve Stimulation

To determine whether nitric oxide (NO) is involved in adrenal medullary vasodilation during splanchnic nerve stimulation (NS)-induced catecholamine secretion, blood flow (Q) and secretory responses were measured in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs before and after administration of the NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). L-NAME (40 mg/kg iv over 5 min, followed by 40 mg.kg-1.h-1) reduced NO synthase activity of medullary and cortical homogenates from 5.2 +/- 0.3 to 0.7 +/- 0.1 pmol.min-1.mg protein-1 and from 1.2 +/- 0.2 pmol.min-1.mg protein-1 to undetectable levels, respectively. L-NAME reduced resting medullary and cortical Q by 42 and 60%, respectively. NS before L-NAME increased medullary Q from 181 +/- 16 to 937 +/- 159 ml.min-1.100 g-1 and epinephrine secretion from 1.9 +/- 0.8 to 781 +/- 331 ng/min. NS after L-NAME had no effect on medullary Q (103 +/- 14 vs. 188 +/- 34 ml.min-1.100 g-1), while epinephrine secretion increased to the same extent as in control animals (1.9 +/- 0.7 vs. 576 +/- 250 ng/min). L-NAME also unmasked NS-induced cortical vasoconstriction; cortical Q decreased from 96 +/- 8 to 50 +/- 5 ml.min-1.100 g-1. Administration of hexamethonium (30 mg/kg iv), a nicotinic receptor antagonist, reduced NS-induced epinephrine secretion by 90%. These data suggest independent neural control of medullary Q and catecholamine secretion, the former by NO and the latter by acetylcholine.

scholarly journals Role of nitric oxide in systemic vasopressin-induced hypothermia

1998 ◽  
Vol 275 (4) ◽  
pp. R937-R941 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre A. Steiner ◽  
Evelin C. Carnio ◽  
José Antunes-Rodrigues ◽  
Luiz G. S. Branco
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Intravenous Injection ◽  
Induced Hypothermia ◽  
Basal Body Temperature ◽  
Systemic Injection ◽  
The Third ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Injection Control ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor

It has been reported that arginine vasopressin (AVP) plays a thermoregulatory action, but very little is known about the mechanisms involved. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in systemic AVP-induced hypothermia. Rectal temperature was measured before and after AVP, AVP blocker, or N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; NO synthase inhibitor) injection. Control animals received saline injections of the same volume. The basal body temperature (Tb) measured in control animals was 36.53 ± 0.08°C. We observed a significant ( P < 0.05) reduction in Tb to 35.44 ± 0.19°C after intravenous injection of AVP (2 μg/kg) and to 35.74 ± 0.10°C after intravenous injection ofl-NAME (30 mg/kg). The systemic injection of the AVP blocker [β-mercapto-β,β-cyclopentamethylenepropionyl1, O-Et-Tyr2,Val4,Arg8]vasopressin (10 μg/kg) caused a significant increase in Tb to 37.33 ± 0.23°C, indicating that AVP plays a tonic role by reducing Tb. When the treatments with AVP and l-NAME were combined, systemically injected l-NAME blunted AVP-induced hypothermia. To assess the role of central thermoregulatory mechanisms, a smaller dose ofl-NAME (1 mg/kg) was injected into the third cerebral ventricle. Intracerebroventricular injection ofl-NAME caused an increase in Tb, but when intracerebroventricular l-NAME was combined with systemic AVP injection (2 μg/kg), no change in Tb was observed. The data indicate that central NO plays a major role mediating systemic AVP-induced hypothermia.

Effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on cutaneous vasodilation during body heating in humans

1998 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 830-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shubha Shastry ◽  
Niki M. Dietz ◽  
John R. Halliwill ◽  
Ann S. Reed ◽  
Michael J. Joyner
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Contralateral Side ◽  
Laser Doppler ◽  
Cutaneous Vasodilation ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Cutaneous Vascular Conductance ◽  
Cutaneous Blood

We sought to examine further the potential role of nitric oxide (NO) in the neurally mediated cutaneous vasodilation in nonacral skin during body heating in humans. Six subjects were heated with a water-perfused suit while cutaneous blood flow was measured by using laser-Doppler flowmeters placed on both forearms. The NO synthase inhibitor N G-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA) was given selectively to one forearm via a brachial artery catheter after marked cutaneous vasodilation had been established. During body heating, oral temperature increased by 1.1 ± 0.1°C while heart rate increased by 30 ± 6 beats/min. Mean arterial pressure stayed constant at 84 ± 2 mmHg. In the experimental forearm, cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC; laser-Doppler) decreased to 86 ± 5% of the peak response to heating ( P < 0.05 vs. pre-l-NMMA values) afterl-NMMA infusion. In some subjects, l-NMMA caused CVC to fall by ∼30%; in others, it had little impact on the cutaneous circulation. CVC in the control arm showed a similar increase with heating, then stayed constant whilel-NMMA was given to the contralateral side. These results demonstrate that NO contributes modestly, but not consistently, to cutaneous vasodilation during body heating in humans. They also indicate that NO is not the only factor responsible for the dilation.

Does local heating-induced nitric oxide production attenuate vasoconstrictor responsiveness to lower body negative pressure in human skin?

2007 ◽  
Vol 102 (5) ◽  
pp. 1839-1843 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Low ◽  
Manabu Shibasaki ◽  
Scott L. Davis ◽  
David M. Keller ◽  
Craig G. Crandall
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Negative Pressure ◽  
Lower Body Negative Pressure ◽  
Local Heating ◽  
Ringer Solution ◽  
No Production ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Forearm Skin ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Cutaneous Vascular Conductance

We tested the hypothesis that local heating-induced nitric oxide (NO) production attenuates cutaneous vasoconstrictor responsiveness. Eleven subjects (6 men, 5 women) had four microdialysis membranes placed in forearm skin. Two membranes were perfused with 10 mM of NG-nitro-l-arginine (l-NAME) and two with Ringer solution (control), and all sites were locally heated to 34°C. Subjects then underwent 5 min of 60-mmHg lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Two sites (a control and an l-NAME site) were then heated to 39°C, while the other two sites were heated to 42°C. At the l-NAME sites, skin blood flow was elevated using 0.75–2 mg/ml of adenosine in the perfusate solution (Adn + l-NAME) to a similar level relative to control sites. Subjects then underwent another 5 min of 60-mmHg LBNP. At 34°C, cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) decreased (Δ) similarly at both control and l-NAME sites during LBNP (Δ7.9 ± 3.0 and Δ3.4 ± 0.8% maximum, respectively; P > 0.05). The reduction in CVC to LBNP was also similar between control and Adn + l-NAME sites at 39°C (control Δ11.4 ± 2.5 vs. Adn + l-NAME Δ7.9 ± 2.0% maximum; P > 0.05) and 42°C (control Δ1.9 ± 2.7 vs. Adn + l-NAME Δ 4.2 ± 2.7% maximum; P > 0.05). However, the decrease in CVC at 42°C, regardless of site, was smaller than at 39°C ( P < 0.05). These results do not support the hypothesis that local heating-induced NO production attenuates cutaneous vasoconstrictor responsiveness during high levels of LBNP. However, elevated local temperature, per se, attenuates cutaneous vasoconstrictor responsiveness to LBNP, presumably through non-nitric oxide mechanisms.

scholarly journals New approach to measure cutaneous microvascular function: an improved test of NO-mediated vasodilation by thermal hyperemia

2014 ◽  
Vol 117 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia J. Choi ◽  
Vienna E. Brunt ◽  
Naoto Fujii ◽  
Christopher T. Minson
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Rapid Heating ◽  
Local Heating ◽  
Ringer Solution ◽  
No Synthase ◽  
Microvascular Function ◽  
Vascular Conductance ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Cutaneous Vascular Conductance

Cutaneous hyperemia in response to rapid skin local heating to 42°C has been used extensively to assess microvascular function. However, the response is dependent on both nitric oxide (NO) and endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs), and increases cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) to ∼90–95% maximum in healthy subjects, preventing the study of potential means to improve cutaneous function. We sought to identify an improved protocol for isolating NO-dependent dilation. We compared nine heating protocols (combinations of three target temperatures: 36°C, 39°C, and 42°C, and three rates of heating: 0.1°C/s, 0.1°C/10 s, 0.1°C/min) in order to select two protocols to study in more depth ( protocol 1; N = 6). Then, CVC was measured at four microdialysis sites receiving: 1) lactated Ringer solution (Control), 2) 50-mM tetraethylammonium (TEA) to inhibit EDHFs, 3) 20-mM nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) to inhibit NO synthase, and 4) TEA+L-NAME, in response to local heating either to 39°C at 0.1°C/s ( protocol 2; N = 10) or 42°C at 0.1°C/min ( protocol 3; N = 8). Rapid heating to 39°C increased CVC to 43.1 ± 5.2%CVCmax (Control), which was attenuated by L-NAME (11.4 ± 2.8%CVCmax; P < 0.001) such that 82.8 ± 4.2% of the plateau was attributable to NO. During gradual heating, 81.5 ± 3.3% of vasodilation was attributable to NO at 40°C, but at 42°C only 32.7 ± 7.8% of vasodilation was attributable to NO. TEA+L-NAME attenuated CVC beyond L-NAME at temperatures >40°C (43.4 ± 4.5%CVCmax at 42°C, P < 0.001 vs. L-NAME), suggesting a role of EDHFs at higher temperatures. Our findings suggest local heating to 39°C offers an improved approach for isolating NO-dependent dilation and/or assessing perturbations that may improve microvascular function.

Role of nitric oxide and cAMP in prostaglandin-induced pial arterial vasodilation

1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (4) ◽  
pp. H1436-H1440 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. M. Armstead
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Topical Administration ◽  
No Donor ◽  
Cyclic Monophosphate ◽  
Cranial Window ◽  
Pial Artery ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Arterial Dilation ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor

The present study was designed to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO), guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in the vasodilator response to prostaglandin (PG)I2 and PGE2 in newborn pigs equipped with a closed cranial window. PGI2 (1–100 ng/ml) produced pial arterial dilation that was blunted by nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 10(-6) M), an NO synthase inhibitor (9 +/- 1 vs. 2 +/- 1%, 21 +/- 1 vs. 5 +/- 3% for 1 and 100 ng/ml PGI2 respectively, n = 6; means +/- SE). PGI2-induced vasodilation was associated with increased cortical periarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cGMP, and these changes in cGMP were blocked by L-NNA (386 +/- 8 and 1,054 +/- 30 fmol/ml vs. 266 +/- 6 and 274 +/- 4 fmol/ml for control and PGI2 100 ng/ml before and after L-NNA respectively, n = 6). In contrast, PGI2-associated changes in CSF cAMP were unchanged by L-NNA (1,021 +/- 25 and 2,703 +/- 129 fmol/ml vs. 980 +/- 23 and 2,636 +/- 193 fmol/ml for control, PGI2 100 ng/ml before and after L-NNA, respectively, n = 6). PGE2 elicited similar changes in pial artery diameter and cyclic nucleotides; vasodilation and changes in CSF cGMP also being similarly inhibited by L-NNA. After L-NNA, topical administration of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10(-9) M) increased pial artery diameter up to the resting level before L-NNA and partially restored the vasodilation elicited by PGI2 and PGE2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

scholarly journals Impaired acetylcholine-induced cutaneous vasodilation in young smokers: roles of nitric oxide and prostanoids

2013 ◽  
Vol 304 (5) ◽  
pp. H667-H673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoto Fujii ◽  
Maggie C. Reinke ◽  
Vienna E. Brunt ◽  
Christopher T. Minson
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Mean Arterial Pressure ◽  
Arterial Pressure ◽  
Local Heating ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Cutaneous Vasodilation ◽  
Cox Inhibitor ◽  
Young Smokers ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor

Cigarette smoking attenuates acetylcholine (ACh)-induced cutaneous vasodilation in humans, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that smokers have impaired nitric oxide (NO)- and cyclooxygenase (COX)-dependent cutaneous vasodilation to ACh infusion. Twelve young smokers, who have smoked more than 5.2 ± 0.7 yr with an average daily consumption of 11.4 ± 1.2 cigarettes, and 12 nonsmokers were tested. Age, body mass index, and resting mean arterial pressure were similar between the groups. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was evaluated as laser-Doppler flux divided by mean arterial pressure, normalized to maximal CVC (local heating to 43.0°C plus sodium nitroprusside administration). We evaluated the increase in CVC from baseline to peak (CVCΔpeak) and area under the curve of CVC (CVCAUC) during a bolus infusion (1 min) of 137.5 μM ACh at four intradermal microdialysis sites: 1) Ringer (control), 2) 10 mM NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; NO synthase inhibitor), 3) 10 mM ketorolac (COX inhibitor), and 4) combination of l-NAME + ketorolac. CVCΔpeakand CVCAUCat the Ringer site in nonsmokers were greater than in smokers (CVCΔpeak, 42.9 ± 5.1 vs. 22.3 ± 3.5%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 8,085 ± 1,055 vs. 3,145 ± 539%max·s, P < 0.05). In nonsmokers, CVCΔpeakand CVCAUCat the l-NAME site were lower than the Ringer site (CVCΔpeak, 29.5 ± 6.2%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 5,377 ± 1,109%max·s, P < 0.05), but in smokers, there were no differences between the Ringer and l-NAME sites (CVCΔpeak, 16.8 ± 4.3%max, P = 0.11; and CVCAUC, 2,679 ± 785%max·s, P = 0.30). CVCΔpeakand CVCAUCwere reduced with ketorolac in nonsmokers (CVCΔpeak, 13.3 ± 3.6%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 1,967 ± 527%max·s, P < 0.05) and smokers (CVCΔpeak, 7.8 ± 1.8%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 1,246 ± 305%max·s, P < 0.05) and at the combination site in nonsmokers (CVCΔpeak, 15.9 ± 3.1%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 2,660 ± 512%max·s, P < 0.05) and smokers (CVCΔpeak, 11.5 ± 2.6%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 1,693 ± 409%max·s, P < 0.05), but the magnitudes were greater in nonsmokers ( P < 0.05). These results suggest that impaired ACh-induced skin vasodilation in young smokers is related to diminished NO- and COX-dependent vasodilation.

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