INCREASE IN PLASMA NITRIC-OXIDE END-PRODUCTS FOLLOWING RAT CORTICAL INJURY

The changes in plasma nitric oxide (NO) end products, nitrite (NO2-) a nd nitrate (NO3-), were studied following cortical injury in rats. At 3 days after stereotactic cortical injury (day 3), plasma NO end produ cts were significantly increased (P < 0.01), and decreased by day 7. T his increase on day 3 was inhibited by a selective inhibitor of induci ble NO synthase (NOS), aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg, i.p. on days 1 and 2 , P < 0.001). The present study first demonstrated the temporary incre ase in plasma NO end products, which is attributable to the inducible NOS activation after cerebral injury.