Nitric oxide effects on shortening velocity and power production in the rat diaphragm

The present experiments tested nitric oxide (NO) effects on shortening velocity and power production in maximally activated rat diaphragm. Diaphragm fiber bundles (n = 10/group) were incubated at 37 degrees C in Krebs-Ringer solution containing no added drug (control), the NO synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA; 10 mM), the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 1 mM), or a combination (L-NNA + SNP) Loaded shortening velocity was measured via the load-clamp technique over a range of afterloads. Force-velocity data were fitted to the Hill equation to determine maximum velocity of shortening (Vmax). Unloaded shortening velocity was measured in control and L-NNA-treated bundles (n = 12/group) by using the slack test. Maximal isometric force and unloaded shortening velocity were not altered by L-NNA. In contrast, L-NNA decreased maximum velocity of shortening (P < 0.05), loaded shortening velocity (P < 0.0001), and power production (P < 0.0001). All L-NNA effects were prevented by coincubating fiber bundles with L-NNA + SNP. SNP alone had no effect on any variable. These data indicate that endogenous NO is essential for optimal myofilament function during active shortening.