Effect of nitro-L-arginine on cerebral blood flow and monoamine metabolism during ischemia/reperfusion in the mongolian gerbil.

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with nitro-L-arginine (i.p., 40 mg/kg body weight) in contrast to L-arginine (300 mg/kg body weight) delayed the initial recovery of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and altered dopamine (DA) metabolism in brain ischemia/reperfusion of Mongolian gerbils. Similar changes but more severe were observed with pargyline (monoamine oxidase inhibitor). Data suggest nitric oxide involvement in postischemic CBF recovery and modulation of DA metabolism due to nitro-L-arginine-induced CBF reduction.