Evidence for in vivo transport of bioactive nitric oxide in human plasma

Rassaf, T; Preik, M; Kleinbongard, P; Lauer, T; Heiss, C; Strauer, BE; Feelisch, M; Kelm, M

HERO ID

1656086

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2002

Language

English

PMID

11994413

HERO ID 1656086
In Press No
Year 2002
Title Evidence for in vivo transport of bioactive nitric oxide in human plasma
Authors Rassaf, T; Preik, M; Kleinbongard, P; Lauer, T; Heiss, C; Strauer, BE; Feelisch, M; Kelm, M
Journal Journal of Clinical Investigation
Volume 109
Issue 9
Page Numbers 1241-1248
Abstract Although hitherto considered as a strictly locally acting vasodilator, results from recent clinical studies with inhaled nitric oxide (NO) indicate that NO can exert effects beyond the pulmonary circulation. We therefore sought to investigate potential remote vascular effects of intra-arterially applied aqueous NO solution and to identify the mechanisms involved. On bolus application of NO into the brachial artery of 32 healthy volunteers, both diameter of the downstream radial artery and forearm blood flow increased in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum dilator responses were comparable to those after stimulation of endogenous NO formation with acetylcholine and bradykinin. Response kinetics and pattern of NO decomposition suggested that despite the presence of hemoglobin-containing erythrocytes, a significant portion of NO was transported in its unbound form. Infusion of NO (36 micromol/min) into the brachial artery increased levels of plasma nitroso species, nitrite, and nitrate in the draining antecubital vein (by < 2-fold, 30-fold, and 4-fold, respectively), indicative of oxidative and nitrosative chemistry. Infused N-oxides were inactive as vasodilators whereas S-nitrosoglutathione dilated conduit and resistance arteries. Our results suggest that NO can be transported in bioactive form for significant distances along the vascular bed. Both free NO and plasma nitroso species contribute to the dilation of the downstream vasculature.
Doi 10.1172/JCI14995
Pmid 11994413
Wosid WOS:000175488000015
Url http://www.jci.org/articles/view/14995
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English