The Role of Nitric Oxide in Cardiac Output Redistribution in Response to Hypoxia 287

Introduction During hypoxia the chick embryo shows a redistribution of the cardiac output similar to the mammalian fetus, favoring vital organs like the heart and brain. The redistribution of the cardiac output results from peripheral vasoconstriction or vasodilatation in different circulations. The present study examined the role of nitric oxide on the vasodilatator responses during hypoxia in the chick embryo.