Changes of L-arginine,NOS/NO pathway in adventitia of rats with sepsis

AIM: In this study, we aimed to explore the alteration and pathophysiological significance of the L-arginine (L-Arg)/NOS/NO pathway in the adventitia of rats with sepsis. METHODS: Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Rat cardiac function was determined. NO generation, NOS activity and L-Arg transport were measured. The iNOS mRNA levels was determined by using RT-PCR. RESULTS: Cecal ligation and puncture induced severe sepsis with severe low glucose, high lacticemia and cardiac function inhibition. The iNOS activity was increased by 2.8-fold compared with controls (P<0.01) and the iNOS mRNA level was elevated-6-fold (P<0.01). The NO level in plasma and incubation media (incubation for 40 min) in the sepsis group was increased by 144% and 273% (both P<0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that the L-Arg,NOS/NO pathway was activated in vascular adventitia of rats with sepsis shock. The aortic adventitia L-Arg/NOS/NO pathway might play an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock.