Effect of Radiocontrast Agents on Intrarenal Nitric Oxide (NO) and NO Synthase Activity

Abstract

In the cortex, CM might reduce the NOS activity (an effect blunted by endothelin release). This may potentiate the effect of endothelin to induce regional vasoconstriction. In the outer medulla, the vasodilatory response to CM does not seem to be mediated by enhanced NOS activity and might reflect increased local NO bioavailability as the result of regional hypoxia.