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Analytical Techniques for Assaying Nitric Oxide Bioactivity
Published on: June 18, 2012
Glyceryl trinitrate enhances nitric oxide mediated perfusion within the equine hoof
K A Hinckley1, S Fearn, B R Howard
1Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield.
The Journal of Endocrinology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) improves blood flow in equine hooves during laminitis. This nitric oxide donor enhances perfusion in both healthy and laminitic horses, potentially alleviating lameness.
Area of Science:
- Equine medicine
- Vascular physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Laminitis is a debilitating equine hoof disease causing severe lameness.
- Nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in regulating hoof perfusion.
- Previous studies indicated NO donors like 1-arginine improve laminitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on equine hoof blood flow.
- To determine if GTN enhances nitric oxide mediated perfusion in normal and laminitic horses.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to measure hoof blood flow.
- Transdermal GTN was applied to the pasterns of horses and ponies.
- NIRS data was analyzed to assess changes in perfusion.
Main Results:
- Transdermal GTN significantly increased blood flow in the equine hoof.
- This enhancement of perfusion was observed in both normal and chronically laminitic subjects.
- Results suggest GTN effectively delivers nitric oxide to the hoof.
Conclusions:
- Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) enhances nitric oxide mediated perfusion within the equine hoof.
- Transdermal GTN is a viable method for improving hoof blood flow in horses.
- This finding has implications for managing laminitis and related hoof conditions.
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