Effects of prolonged L-arginine administration on blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension (EH)
Related Experiment Videos
M Malczewska-Malec1, P Goldsztajn, K Kawecka-Jaszcz
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
Insights
L-arginine (L-Arg) showed a temporary blood pressure reduction in essential hypertension (EH) patients, with tachyphylaxis observed. It activated fibrinolysis but had minimal impact on platelet aggregation, suggesting a secondary role in EH treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Essential hypertension (EH) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition.
- L-arginine (L-Arg) is an amino acid with potential vasodilatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of intravenous L-arginine on blood pressure and related markers in patients with essential hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous L-arginine was administered daily for 4 days to 20 male patients (40-63 years) with EH.
- Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were monitored.
- Plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels and urinary nitrite/nitrate concentrations were assessed.
- Fibrinolysis and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation were measured.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in SBP was observed only on the first day, indicating tachyphylaxis.
- A more marked reduction in DBP was noted (p < 0.001).
- No significant changes in cGMP or nitrite/nitrate levels were found.
- L-arginine significantly activated fibrinolysis (p < 0.005) but did not significantly decrease platelet activity.
Conclusions:
- L-arginine demonstrates a limited and transient effect on blood pressure in EH patients due to tachyphylaxis.
- The activation of fibrinolysis suggests a potential, albeit secondary, role for L-arginine in managing aspects of EH.
Abstract:
L-arginine (L-Arg) was administered intravenously through 4 consecutive days to 20 males (40-63 years old) with essential hypertension (EH). Significant decrease (p < 0.02) of systolic blood pressure (SBP) was observed only during the first day of the therapy and tachyphylaxis against L-Arg was noticed. The reduction of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was more marked (p < 0.001). Significant changes in cGMP plasma level and the nitrite/nitrate urine concentration were not observed. L-Arg caused a significant activation of fibrinolysis (p < 0.005). The decrease of platelet activity, measured by the ADP-induced aggregation, after L-Arg administration was not statistically significant. Therefore, L-Arg may play only a secondary role in the treatment of EH.