Agmatine: A novel endogenous vasodilator substance

Gao Y., Gumusel B., Koves G., Prasad A., Hao Q., Hyman A., ...More

Life Sciences, vol.57, no.8, 1995 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 57 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 1995
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/0024-3205(95)02011-7
  • Journal Name: Life Sciences
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: CLONIDINE-DISPLACING SUBSTANCE, AGMATINE, VASODILATION
  • Lokman Hekim University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of agmatine, an endogenous clonidine-displacing substance (CDS), on systemic hemodynamics in the anesthetized rat. Bolus intravenous (i.v.) injections of agmatine decreased systemic arterial pressure (SAP) and systemic vascular resistance in a dose-dependent manner. The development of acute tachyphylaxis to the systemic vasodepressor response to agmatine did not induce cross-tachyphylaxis to the systemic vasodepressor responses to bradykinin, isoproterenol and nitroglycerin. The present data demonstrate agmatine, as a CDS and agonist for imidazoline (I) receptors, possesses marked systemic vasodilator activity in the rat. The present data suggest that activation of I receptors may represent a novel mechanism of vasodilation in vivo. © 1995.