Nitric oxide synthase inhibition decreases tolerance to hyperoxia in newborn rats
Author Information
Author(s): M. R. Pierce, C. A. Voelker, I. R. S. Sosenko, S. Bustamante, S. M. Olister, X.-J. Zhang, D. A. Clark, M. J. S. Miller
Primary Institution: Louisiana State University Medical Center
Hypothesis
The stress of hyperoxia to the pulmonary endothelium combined with chronic inhibition of NOS with L-NAME would have deleterious effects on the developing neonatal rat.
Conclusion
Perinatal NOS inhibition results in pulmonary artery vasoconstriction and a decreased tolerance to hyperoxia induced lung injury in newborn rats.
Supporting Evidence
- L-NAME treated pups had a significantly lower survival rate in hyperoxia compared to controls.
- Foetal pulmonary artery diameter was significantly reduced in L-NAME treated foetuses.
- Body weights of L-NAME treated offspring were significantly decreased at birth compared to controls.
- L-NAME treatment did not alter the ability of neonatal rats to mount an antioxidant enzyme response to hyperoxia.
Takeaway
When baby rats had their ability to make a special gas called nitric oxide blocked, they had a much harder time surviving in a super oxygen-rich environment.
Methodology
Timed-pregnant rats were treated with L-NAME or control water, followed by exposure of newborn pups to hyperoxia or room air for survival studies.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on the effects of L-NAME without exploring other potential factors influencing survival.
Participant Demographics
Timed-pregnant Holtzman, Harlan Sprague-Dawley rats.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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