Endothelium-Dependent Vascular Tone Regulation Mechanisms in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Aim. To study the role of nitroxidergic reactions of the circulatory system in the development of ischemic stroke. Methods. 51 patients (both males and females) with the diagnosis of ischemic stroke were examined. All patients were distributed to 3 groups according to the severity of neurological deficit. All patients underwent brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Cerebral blood flow was examined by extra and transcranial ultrasonic dopplerography. Central hemodynamics was evaluated by echocardiography. General clinical examination, neurological and neuroophthalmological examinations were also performed. Vasomotor endothelial function was assessed using a 7 MHz linear transducer on the ultrasound unit «Medison SonoAce X8». The level of nitric oxide was assessed using its stable metabolites, nitrite and nitrate definition in serum. Neurological status was assessed according to the USA National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Results. Disorders of nitroxidergic mechanisms of blood vessels regulation were observed in patients with ischemic stroke. Endothelium-dependent brachial artery dilation disorders and nitric oxide persistent metabolites level decrease were related to the severity of the disease and the neurological deficit degree. Conclusion. The study of endothelium-dependent vascular tone regulation mechanisms revealed that these mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke; the study of these mechanisms can be used to clarify the severity of neurological deficit, and possible prognosis.