Pulsatile flow enhances endothelium-derived nitric oxide release in the peripheral vasculature

The effects of pulsatility in blood flow on endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) release in the peripheral vasculature were investigated. The basal and flow-stimulated EDNO release were compared between pulsatile and nonpulsatile systemic flows before and after the administration of NO synthase inhibitorN G-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA). Peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) was significantly lower in pulsatile flow than in nonpulsatile flow, but this difference disappeared after l-NMMA. The percent increase in PVR by l-NMMA was significantly larger in pulsatile flow. In reactive hyperemia in the hindlimb, the peak flow did not differ; however, both the repayment flow and the duration were significantly larger in pulsatile flow. Percent changes of these parameters by l-NMMA were significantly larger in pulsatile flow. These data indicated that pulsatility significantly enhances the basal and flow-stimulated EDNO release in the peripheral vasculature under in vivo conditions. We also studied the involve...