L-arginine and Arginase Products Potentiate Dexmedetomidine-induced Contractions in the Rat Aorta

Background:The α2-adrenergic sedative/anesthetic agent dexmedetomidine exerts biphasic effects on isolated arteries, causing endothelium-dependent relaxations at concentrations at or below 30 nM, followed by contractions at higher concentrations. L-arginine is a common substrate of endothelial nitri