Nitro-l-arginine analogues: Dose- and time-related nitric oxide synthase inhibition in brain

The purpose of the present study was to measure cortical nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and determine the appropriate doses of N^psi-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or N^psi-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) for near-complete enzyme inhibition in dogs, cats, and pigs. We anticipated that NOS inhibition was dose- and time-dependent and questioned if the dose-response relationship was related to the specific drug or animal species. Methods Saline or L-NAME or L-NNA in escalating doses was administered to pentobarbital-anesthetized pigs, dogs, and cats. Brain temperature and arterial blood gas, hemoglobin, and blood pressure levels were maintained within the physiological range. Cortical tissue was biopsied at baseline and 30, 120, and 360 minutes after agent administration for measurement of NOS activity by isotopic assay of the conversion of [sup 14 C]arginine to [sup 14 C]citrulline. Results L-NAME produced more than 70% enzyme inhibition at a dose of 20 mg/kg across the species tested. Arterial blood pressure was elevated at 30 minutes after L-NAME treatment. However, consistent decreases in brain NOS activity required a longer period of time. Near-complete inhibition was apparent in most animals by 120 minutes and persisted for 6 hours after administration. A smaller dose of L-NNA was required for more than 70% enzyme inhibition in the cats and dogs (10 mg/kg). Near-complete NOS inhibition was evident in most animals at 30 minutes after L-NNA administration, which also persisted for 6 hours. In pigs, this same level of inhibition required 20 mg/kg. Conclusions These results suggest that administration of L-NAME and L-NNA diminishes brain NOS activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner and that the duration of effect is at least 6 hours.