Related Experiment Videos
Nitric oxide and endothelin 1 during postnatal life
1Department of Pediatrics, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Biology of the Neonate
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Serum nitric oxide (NO) metabolites and Endothelin 1 (ET-1) levels were measured in healthy neonates. Findings suggest NO and ET-1 play key roles in circulatory adaptation after birth.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Neonatal Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator, while Endothelin 1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor, both produced by endothelial cells.
- These endogenous agents are implicated in pulmonary vascular changes during the postnatal period.
- Quantitative data on NO and ET-1 levels in healthy neonates are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the changes in NO metabolites and ET-1 in healthy neonates during the early postnatal period.
- To investigate the physiological roles of NO and ET-1 in circulatory adaptation to extra-uterine life.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of NO metabolites (nitrites and nitrates, collectively NOx) and plasma ET-1 were measured.
- Measurements were taken in 19 healthy neonates at birth (cord blood), 5 days, and 30 days of age.
Main Results:
- Serum NOx levels showed a significant increase from birth (27.5 ± 12.8 μmol/l) to 5 days (53.8 ± 14.2 μmol/l), followed by a decrease at 30 days (38.3 ± 13.2 μmol/l).
- Plasma ET-1 concentrations were highest at birth (3.9 ± 1.6 x 10^6 μmol/l) and significantly decreased by 5 days (1.1 ± 0.2 x 10^6 μmol/l), remaining low at 30 days.
- The observed dynamic changes suggest active physiological involvement.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates distinct temporal changes in NO metabolites and ET-1 in healthy neonates.
- These findings support the hypothesis that NO and ET-1 are actively involved in the physiological adaptation of the circulatory system to extra-uterine life.