N ω-Hydroxy-L-arginine: A novel arginine analog capable of causing vasorelaxation in bovine intrapulmonary artery

Abstract

This study describes the effects of N ω-hydroxy-L-arginine (NOHA) on endothelium dependent and endothelium independent relaxation of bovine pulmonary artery. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that NOHA is a biosynthetic intermediate in the production of nitric oxide from arginine. N ω-Hydroxy-L-arginine causes both endothelium dependent and endothelium independent vasorelaxation, similar to that of arginine. This NOHA elicited relaxation was also inhibitable by N-methylarginine, N-nitroarginine and N-aminoarginine.