Intra-arterial infusion of nitric oxide (NO) - First animal trial

Objective: Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule that acts in many tissues to regulate a diverse range of physiological processes. NO has been implicated in a number of cardiovascular diseases. Reduced basal NO synthesis or function may lead to: vasoconstriction, elevated blood pressure and thrombus formation. By contrast, overproduction of NO results in vasodilatation, hypotension, vascular leakage, and disruption of cell metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of NO gas directly infused into the arteries. Methods: The study was performed on 28 rabbits and 10 pigs. We developed a device that enables quantitatively controlled infusion of NO gas, directly into the arteries. Results: We found that administration of NO gas via arteries caused widening of the blood vessels as well as increasing blood flow in the extremity. It emerges that. These effects persist up to 2-3 h after the NO infusion ceased. Although the NO breaks down when diffused in blood, its influence commences rapidly and continues for a relatively long time. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that, administration of NO into blood vessels causes a long lasting vasodilatation and enhanced blood flow. Despite the fact that NO is broken down rapidly.