The effects of intrinsic nitric oxide on cardiac neural regulation in cats

In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of intrinsic nitric oxide (NO) on cardiac neural regulation.Twenty-two cats were anesthetized with 1.5% isoflurane and allocated to Group I (intact; n = 7), Group D (denervated baroreceptors and vagi; n = 8), or Group B (autonomic blockade with IV hexamethonium, propranolol, and atropine; n = 7). Cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (CSNA), mean arterial pressure (MAP), sinus heart rate (HR), and A-H and H-V intervals during pacing (150 bpm) were measured before and after IV administration of a NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 30 mg/kg) and after reversal with an excessive dose of L-arginine (300 mg/kg), before and during intermittent electrical stimulation of the posterior hypothalamus. L-NNA significantly increased MAP in Groups I and B, but not in Group D. L-NNA significantly decreased HR and lengthened A-H in Group I, but not in other groups. L-arginine further decreased HR and lengthened A-H unexpectedly. The reasons for these findings could not be determined in this study. L-NNA did not change CSNA. Hypothalamic stimulation did not potentiate L-NNA-induced changes in CSNA, hemodynamic variables, and atrioventricular conduction. In conclusion, intrinsic NO may modulate atrioventricular conduction and sinus rate through a vagal cholinergic, rather than a nonautonomic mechanism. Implications: Elucidating the roles of intrinsic nitric oxide (NO) on cardiac neural regulation is important. In intact, vagotomized, and baroreceptor-denervated or pharmacologically autonomic blockaded cats, an NO synthesis inhibitor was administered, and atrioventricular conduction and cardiac sympathetic neural discharge were measured. The results suggest a vagal cholinergic mechanism of intrinsic NO. (Anesth Analg 1998;86:1194-1200)