Related Experiment Videos
Aging-associated endothelial dysfunction in humans is reversed by L-arginine
A Chauhan1, R S More, P A Mullins
1Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Aging impairs endothelium-dependent coronary microvascular function, but L-arginine administration can restore this function. This study highlights the role of nitric oxide precursors in age-related vascular changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Gerontology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Aging is associated with impaired endothelial function in humans.
- The specific mechanisms affecting coronary microvasculature in aging remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if aging selectively impairs endothelium-dependent function.
- To determine if L-arginine administration can reverse age-related endothelial dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Coronary blood flow was measured using intracoronary Doppler in patients undergoing infusions of endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine) and independent (papaverine, glyceryl trinitrate) vasodilators.
- Infusions were repeated after L-arginine administration in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was found between age and the coronary blood flow response to acetylcholine, indicating impaired function with aging.
- No correlation was observed between age and responses to papaverine or glyceryl trinitrate.
- L-arginine infusion abolished the negative correlation between age and acetylcholine response, restoring normal function.
Conclusions:
- Aging selectively impairs endothelium-dependent coronary microvascular function.
- L-arginine, a nitric oxide precursor, can restore this age-related impairment.