THE ROLE OF NITRIC-OXIDE IN THE CENTRAL CONTROL OF BLOOD-PRESSURE

In these studies blood pressure responses to intracerebroventricular ( i.c.v.) infusions were recorded in anesthetized rats. NO donors caused a fall in blood pressure, whereas L-NAME, which blocks the enzyme (NO S) that produces NO, caused a rise in blood pressure. Calcium, i.c.v., stimulates NOS to lower blood pressure. The depressor action of NO is reduced by blocking the action of cGMP. This central NO/cGMP system is tonically active to maintain blood pressure at a normal level. (C) 19 95 Academic Press, Inc.