ABSTRACT
The role of NO in the mechanism of quadropril modulation of the flow-dependent vasodilation was examined in normotensive (Wistar) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. The abdominal aorta was cannulated and autoperfused at different volume rates to obtain the pressure-flow curves. In the first experimental series, the blood flow-pressure dependence was measured before and after intravenous injection of quadropril (1 mg/kg). In the next series, this dependence was obtained before and after injection of NO-synthase inhibitor L-NNA (10 mg/kg) and quadropril, respectively. Quadropril potentiated vasodilation caused by an increase in perfusion volume rate in both normo- and hypertensive rats and stabilized intravascular pressure. Inhibition of NO synthesis elevated hydraulic resistance and decreased stability of intravascular pressure in normo- and hypertensive rats. In normotensive rats, these changes were promoted by a decrease in vascular distensibility. Under these conditions, quadropril pronouncedly potentiated the flow-dependent vasodilation only in SHR rats, which was revealed methodically by an increase in perfusion rate in the posterior quarter of the body. Thus, in SHR rats the quadropril-potentiated vasodilation in response to increased perfusion rate does not depend on NO synthesis.