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The role of nitric oxide in the central control of blood pressure

C Cabrera1, D Bohr

  • 1Department of Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0622.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|January 5, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Central nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) systems help maintain normal blood pressure. Blocking NO production increases blood pressure, while NO donors decrease it.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The central nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure.
  • Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule implicated in various physiological processes, including cardiovascular regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the central NO/cGMP system in blood pressure regulation.
  • To elucidate the effects of NO donors and NOS inhibition on blood pressure in rats.

Main Methods:

  • Anesthetized rats were used to record blood pressure responses.
  • Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusions of NO donors and L-NAME (a NOS inhibitor) were administered.
  • The effects of calcium and cGMP pathway modulation on blood pressure were examined.

Main Results:

  • Intracerebroventricular NO donors induced a decrease in blood pressure.
  • L-NAME administration resulted in an increase in blood pressure, indicating NO's depressor role.
  • Intracerebroventricular calcium stimulated nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to lower blood pressure.
  • Inhibition of the cGMP pathway attenuated the blood pressure-lowering effects of NO.

Conclusions:

  • The central NO/cGMP system is tonically active and essential for maintaining normal blood pressure.
  • This system represents a potential target for managing hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders.

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