Impaired vascular responsiveness to nitric oxide in renal transplant recipients

Morris, S.T.W., McMurray, J.J.V. , Rodger, R.S.C., Briggs, J.D. and Jardine, A.G. (1999) Impaired vascular responsiveness to nitric oxide in renal transplant recipients. Transplantation Proceedings, 31(1-2), pp. 304-305. (doi: 10.1016/s0041-1345(98)01637-6) (PMID:10083118)

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of death in renal transplant recipients. However, the mechanisms are poorly understood. The vascular endothelium plays an important role in preventing the development of hypertension and atherosclerosis, one mechanism being the production and release of nitric oxide (NO). NO has several antiatherogenic roles which include vasodilatation and inhibition of platelet aggregation, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and leukocyte adhesion. Impaired endothelial production of NO may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis and has previously been demonstrated in patients with diabetes mellitus1 and hypercholesterolemia.2 It is likely that endothelial dysfunction is also present in renal transplant recipients but this has not previously been demonstrated. The aim of this present study was to examine endothelial function and vascular responsiveness to NO in patients with stable allograft function using the in vivo technique of forearm strain-gauge plethysmography.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McMurray, Professor John and Jardine, Professor Alan
• Authors: Morris, S.T.W., McMurray, J.J.V., Rodger, R.S.C., Briggs, J.D., and Jardine, A.G.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Transplantation Proceedings
• Publisher: Elsevier Inc.
• ISSN: 0041-1345
• ISSN (Online): 1873-2623