Impaired Nitric Oxide–Mediated Renal Vasodilation in Rats With Experimental Heart Failure

Abstract

This study demonstrates that despite a significant attenuation in the NO-related renal vasodilatory responses, the integrity of the renal NO system is preserved in rats with chronic AV fistula. This impairment in NO-mediated renal vasodilation in experimental CHF appears to be related to increased activity of the renin-angiotensin system and may contribute further to the decrease in renal perfusion seen in CHF.