Protective Role of Nitrate/Nitrite Reductase System during Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia

Abstract

The effects of a non-selective blocker of NO synthases LNNA in a dose of 25 mg/kg and nitrates KNO₃, NaNO₃, Mg(NO₃)₂, and Ca(NO₃)₂ in doses of 5 and 50 mg/kg were studied on the model of experimental ischemic stroke induced by bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries. Wistar rats were randomized into 40 treatment (n=960) and 8 control (n=192) groups. Treatment group rats received injection of either nitrate, or LNNA, or a combination LNNA+nitrate. All substances were administered intraperitoneally 1 h prior to brain ischemia or 5 sec after occlusion of the common carotid arteries. Control rats received the same volume of 0.9% NaCl at the same terms. The non-selective inhibitor of NO synthases LNNA administered against the background of brain ischemia increased neurological deficit and animal mortality. Nitrate/nitrite reductase system had protective properties depending on the cation of nitrate and concentration of a nitrate during inhibition of NO synthase system under conditions of brain ischemia and hypoxia.