Hemodynamic effect of 17 beta-estradiol in absence of NO in ovariectomized rats: role of angiotensin II.

Previous reports correlate plasma levels of estrogen with increased nitric oxide (NO) production. To investigate whether the hemodynamic effects of estrogens are mediated by NO, we compared the hemodynamic changes induced by 17 beta-estradiol (100 mu g/kg) in the absence and presence of the NO synthesis inhibitor N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). All protocols were performed in ovariectomized, conscious rats. Estradiol alone resulted in no significant changes in cardiac index (CI) or mean arterial pressure (MAP). However, in the presence of L-NAME, estradiol induced a significant increase in total peripheral resistance (TPR) of 37.3 +/- 11.7% and a decrease in CI of 27 +/- 4.9%, without changes in MAP. Previous blockade of angiotensin II AT(1) receptors with losartan prevented any change in CI and TPR induced by 17 beta-estradiol in the presence of L-NAME. These observations suggest that NO is necessary to offset a vasoconstrictor action of angiotensin II, which is stimulated by estradiol administration.