The role of L-arginine in hypertension and nephrotoxicity.

The L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway appears to play an important role in systemic hypertension, progressive renal disease, nephrotoxicity (lead poisoning), inflammation and atherosclerosis. Interactions of nitric oxide with other systems (renin-angiotensin, endothelins, eicosanoids, cytokines and other regulators of inflammation) have been described. These interactions may be important in disease states.