Effect of peroxynitrite on plasma extravasation, microvascular blood flow and nociception in the rat

• Published in: British journal of pharmacology 1997-11, Vol.122 (6), p.1083-1088
• Main Authors: Ridger, V. C., Greenacre, S. A. B., Handy, R. L. C., Halliwell, B., Moore, P. K., Whiteman, M., Brain, S. D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: algesia; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Capillary Permeability - drug effects; Catalase - pharmacology; Edema - chemically induced; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Inflammation; Male; microvascular; Molecular and cellular biology; Nitrates - pharmacology; oedema formation; Pain - chemically induced; Peroxynitrite; plasma extravasation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Regional Blood Flow - drug effects; Skin - blood supply; Skin - drug effects; Superoxide Dismutase - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0007-1188; 1476-5381
• DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0701498

1 Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is a cytotoxic species, formed by the reaction between nitric oxide and superoxide free radicals, that may be involved in inflammation. In this study we have investigated the effect of peroxynitrite on plasma extravasation and microvascular blood flow in the dorsal skin and on nociceptive responses in the hind paw of the rat. 2 Male Wistar rats were anaesthetized and their dorsal skin shaved. Plasma extravasation was measured by the extravascular accumulation of 125I‐labelled albumin over 0–45 min and 0–240 min. Blood flow was measured by laser‐Doppler flowmetry over 0–240 min. Studies in the hind paw were carried out in the conscious rat. Hind paw weight changes were determined by volume displacement and nociception by a mechanical hyperalgesia technique. 3 Intradermal (i.d.) peroxynitrite (100–200 nmol site−1) produced a significant (P