Systemic vasoconstriction induced by inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis is attenuated in conscious dogs with heart failure
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Ascending Aortic Constriction in Rats for Creation of Pressure Overload Cardiac Hypertrophy Model
Published on: June 29, 2014
D Elsner1, A Müntze, E P Kromer
1Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Würzburg, Germany.
Study Objective:
The aim was to test the hypothesis that endothelium dependent vasomotor control is impaired in heart failure.
Design And Subjects:
The haemodynamic effects of NG-nitro-L-arginine (NNA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, were studied in five dogs with and without pacing induced heart failure.
Main Results:
In healthy dogs, NNA increased total peripheral resistance and arterial pressure, decreasing cardiac output and heart rate. These effects were partially reversed by L-arginine. In dogs with heart failure, NNA did not change any haemodynamic variable. However, L-arginine decreased total peripheral resistance.
Conclusions:
These findings support a physiological role for endothelium derived nitric oxide in control of vascular resistance and are in agreement with the hypothesis that endothelium dependent vasomotion may be impaired in heart failure.
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Heart Failure V: Medical Management

