Endothelin modulates L-NG-nitroarginine-induced enhancement of vasoconstriction evoked by norepinephrine

The interaction of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a novel vasoconstrictor peptide synthesized according to the encoded amino acid sequence, with L-NG-nitroarginine (NOARG), an L-arginine-reversible inhibitor of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) on adrenergic receptors, was investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Mesenteric arteries were isolated and perfused with Krebs-Ringer solution at a constant flow rate. The vasoconstrictor responses to exogenous norepinephrine were determined. Low concentrations of ET-1 (10(-11) and 10(-10) M) potentiated the pressor responses to norepinephrine without affecting the baseline perfusion pressure. Simultaneous NOARG (10(-5) M) infusion with ET-1 (10(-11) M) into the mesenteric arteries caused further enhancement of the pressor responses to exogenous norepinephrine (200 ng) without affecting the baseline perfusion pressure: 126 +/- 15% to 262 +/- 45% (p less than 0.05, vehicle control: 100%). This facilitatory effect of NOARG on the pressor response to norepinephrine was attenuated with L-arginine (10(-4) M) infusion, but not D-arginine. These results suggest that ET, one of the endothelium-derived vasoconstricting factors, interacts with EDRF to modulate the tone of resistance vessels.