Fig. 1.
L-NAME potentiates BDNIC-, NTG-, and GSNO-mediated vasodilation of rat mesenteric arteries both in vivo and in vitro. Rats were given L-NAME (222 μmol·kg-1·day-1 for 4 days, i.p) and their results were compared to those given saline (control). A-C) L-NAME pretreatment increased mesenteric conductance (blood flow divided by pressure; an index of vasodilation) in response to stepwise-increased (3 min for each infusion rate) continuous infusion of A) BDNIC (25 μmol/L), B) NTG (50 μmol/L), and C) GSNO (50 μmol/L). Two-way ANOVA, n ≥ 5. D-G) Prior L-NAME treatment in rats potentiates the relaxation of isolated mesenteric arteries induced by D) BDNIC, E) NTG, and F) GSNO, but not G) NO. t test, n ≥ 4.
