Flow dependence of nitric oxide-mediated pressure change in rat mesenteric beds with different tonus

To investigate the flow-dependent contribution of basally released nitric oxide (NO) to vascular perfusion pressure, we compared the effects of a NO synthesis inhibitor on the pressure changes in some models of rate mesenteric vascular beds. Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats (13-14-weeks-old) were used. The perfusion pressure at each flow rate was slightly higher in the SHR bed than in the WKY bed when no contractile compounds were applied. NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) significantly increased the pressure in WKY at flow rates more than 5 ml/min (8.9 mm Hg at 7 ml/min). L-NMMA increased the pressure in SHR at flow rates of 2-7 ml/min (40.2 mm Hg at 7 ml/min). L-NMMA markedly increased the pressure at each flow rate in both beds which methoxamine (30 microM) had constricted. The effects of L-NMMA were concentration-dependent, and were blocked by L-arginine. Therefore, basal NO release appears to contribute to the vasolidating tone although flow dependence of the effect is different in the absence or presence of an exogeneous tone in both hypertensive and normotensive rats.