Role of Nitric Oxide in Cyclosporine A–Induced Hypertension

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Abstract
Abstract —Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressive agent that also causes hypertension. The effect of CsA on vascular responses was determined in Sprague-Dawley rats and isolated rat aortic rings. Male rats weighing 250 to 300 g were given either CsA (25 mg · kg −1 · d −1 ) in olive oil or vehicle by intraperitoneal injection for 7 days. CsA administration produced a 42% increase ( P P P −9 mol/L) showed a 35% increase ( P −9 mol/L) was inhibited 65% ( P P S -nitroso- N -acetylpenicillamine (SNAP, 10 −8 mol/L) was unaffected ( P P P −1 · d −1 IP), the precursor of NO. There were no changes in MAP and tension in rats treated with l -arginine alone. In summary, CsA inhibits endothelial NO activity, with resulting increases in MAP and tension, and this inhibition can be overcome by parenteral administration of l -arginine.