Neural mechanism underlying basilar arterial constriction by intracisternal L-NNA in anesthetized dogs

Basilar arterial diameters were angiographically measured in anesthetized dogs in which systemic blood pressure and heart rate were also monitored. Injections of NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), a NO synthase inhibitor, into the cisterna magna produced a significant, persistent decrease in arterial diameter, the effect being reversed by intracisternal injections of L-arginine. The vasoconstrictor effect of L-NNA was diminished in dogs treated with hexamethonium. On the other hand, treatment with phentolamine in a dose sufficient to lower blood pressure to a level similar to that attained with hexamethonium did not inhibit, but rather potentiated, the effect of intracisternal L-NNA. Nicotine injected into the vertebral artery significantly dilated the basilar artery. The effect was abolished by treatment with L-NNA applied intracisternally, the inhibition being reversed by the addition of L-arginine. Systemic blood pressure and heart rate were not altered by intracisternally applied L-NNA and L-arginine. These findings support the hypothesis that basilar arterial constriction caused by intracisternal L-NNA is associated with a suppression of NO synthesis in nitroxidergic nerves innervating the cerebroarterial wall rather than an elimination of basal release of NO from the endothelium. Functional importance of nitroxidergic vasodilator innervation in cerebral arteries in vivo is thus clarified.