Clinical science
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Comparative Study
Nitric oxide in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats.
1. The present study was performed to determine the relationship between diabetic glomerular hyperfiltration and nitric oxide as modulated by the chronic administration of L-arginine and/or N-omega-nitro-L-arginine, a known nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. 2. Normal rats and rats drinking hypertonic glucose (10%) were used as time-controlled groups. ⋯ The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor increased the plasma and urinary glucose concentration in both diabetic and glucose-drinking rats. 5. Our results indicate that diabetic rats are characterized by high plasma concentrations and elevated urinary excretion of nitrite+nitrate, suggesting a state of high nitric oxide production. The vascular response to nitric oxide in diabetic rats may be different at the glomerular and peripheral vascular bed.