Endothelial Dysfunction Enhances Vasoconstriction Due to Scavenging of Nitric Oxide by a Hemoglobin-based Oxygen Carrier

Abstract

Reduction in low molecular weight hemoglobin concentrations to less than 1% is insufficient to abrogate the vasoconstrictor effects of HBOC infusion in healthy awake sheep or in mice with reduced vascular nitric oxide levels associated with endothelial dysfunction. These findings suggest that testing HBOCs in animals with endothelial dysfunction can provide a more sensitive indication of their potential vasoconstrictor effects.