JOURNAL ARTICLE
RESEARCH SUPPORT, NON-U.S. GOV'T
RESEARCH SUPPORT, U.S. GOV'T, NON-P.H.S.
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Orthostatic responses to nitric oxide synthase inhibition in persons with tetraplegia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of 1.0 mg/kg nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on orthostatic mean arterial pressure (MAP), serum aldosterone, and plasma renin concentrations in persons with chronic tetraplegia compared with nonspinal cord-injured controls.

DESIGN: Prospective placebo-controlled intervention study.

SETTING: James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients (n=5) with tetraplegia and controls (n=7) participated. The groups were matched for age, height, and weight; the average duration of injury in the tetraplegia group was 22+/-14 years.

INTERVENTION: Subjects with tetraplegia visited the laboratory twice, receiving placebo on day 1 and L-NAME (1.0 mg/kg) on day 2. The agents were infused via an intravenous catheter over 60 minutes with the patient in the supine position. Data were collected during the infusion and then during head-up tilt to 45 degrees for 30 minutes. Control subjects visited the laboratory once for placebo infusion and the head-up tilt maneuver.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Orthostatic MAP.

RESULTS: Orthostatic MAP was reduced after placebo infusion in subjects with tetraplegia compared with controls (69+/-11 vs 89+/-9 mmHg, respectively; P<.01) and compared with L-NAME infusion (90+/-16 mmHg; P<.01). Orthostatic MAP did not differ when comparing the tetraplegia group with controls after L-NAME infusion. Orthostatic aldosterone levels were increased after placebo compared with L-NAME infusion in persons with tetraplegia; plasma renin levels did not differ among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that nitric oxide synthase inhibition may have clinical potential for treatment of orthostatic hypotension in persons with chronic tetraplegia.

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