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Role of nitric oxide in anaphylactic shock

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Abstract

Nitric oxide, synthesized from the guanidino group ofl-arginine by nitric oxide synthase, has an important role in pathophysiological changes associated with anaphylaxis. Nitric oxide production due to activation of constitutive nitric oxide synthase is detected using a nitric oxide-selective electrode in anaphylactic rabbitsin vivo. A nitric oxide synthase inhibitor attenuates hypotension and hemoconcentration and decreases venous return but does not improve cardiac depression. Nitric oxide functionally antagonizes the effects of vasoconstrictors released by anaphylaxisin vitro. In animals pretreated with a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, the cardiac output falls significantly, although venous return is increased. Pulmonary resistance is significantly increased with a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, andl-arginine attenuates the bronchospasm. These findings suggest that production of nitric oxide may reduce the pathophysiologic changes, except for vasodilatation, associated with anaphylaxis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, Jichi Medical School, Yakushiji, Mimanikawachi, Kawachi-Gun, 3311-1, 323, Tochigiken, Japan

    Hiromasa Mitsuhata & Reiju Shimizu

  2. Department of Virology, Kagoshima University School of Medicine, Sakuragaoka, 890, Kagoshima, Japan

    Mitchel Mitsuo Yokoyama

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  1. Hiromasa Mitsuhata
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  2. Reiju Shimizu
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  3. Mitchel Mitsuo Yokoyama
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Mitsuhata, H., Shimizu, R. & Yokoyama, M.M. Role of nitric oxide in anaphylactic shock. J Clin Immunol 15, 277–283 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01541317

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