NG-Nitro-L-arginine Methyl Ester Does Not Affect Balloon Catheter-Induced Intimal Hyperplasia in Rats

The L-arginine derived NO-cGMP pathway′s role in the response of the arterial wall to balloon catheter injury was examined. Rats were given the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N G -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg po twice daily) or vehicle for 6 days before and 2 weeks after balloon catheter injury. N G -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester treatment increased blood pressure and inhibited acetylcholine responses in aortic rings but did not alter the lesions produced by balloon injury. Our results suggest that the L-arginine derived NO-cGMP pathway does not play a significant role in the response of the artery wall to balloon injury in the rat.