Use of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors in animal models of sepsis

Sepsis, as a general inflammatory process, affects the whole organism, mainly because of the intense vasodilation and reduced perfusion pressures associated with it. The high mortality rates seen with sepsis are correlated with a reduction in mean arterial pressure. Therefore, the restoration of adequate arterial pressures is imperative. Nitric oxide (NO.) is at least partly responsible for the vasodilation. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is, therefore, a logical approach for the treatment of sepsis. As with any other vasoconstrictive drug, NOS inhibitors are clinically indicated only in hyperdynamic sepsis. In animal models, their administration leads to an immediate restoration of blood pressure, accompanied by improved myocardial, pulmonary, and renal function. An increase in oxygen extraction prevents oxygen consumption from decreasing, despite a marked reduction in cardiac output to normal concentrations. In sepsis, virtually all regional blood flows are increased. In our experiments, no organ systems showed a reduction below preseptic baseline values when NOS inhibitors were administered. Furthermore, NOS inhibition did not cause an increase in lactate concentrations, indicating adequate nutritive organ blood flow. Consequently, NOS inhibitors seem to be beneficial and safe when administered under the right circumstances and in a controlled fashion.