Objective: The authers investigated the levels of plasma EDRF-nitric oxide (NO) and ET-1 in 10 cases of cor pulmonale at exercise.
Methods: Using the technologies of cardiac catheter, radioimmunization and biochemical analysis.
Results: The level of plasma NO was lower in group A (mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) < 2.67 kPa) than in group B (mPAP > or = 2.67 kPa) at rest; the content of plasma NO increased more markedly in group A than in group B during exercise; there was no change in the content of ET-1 in both groups; mPAP strongly correlated with plasma NO or ET-1 in both groups.
Conclusions: The patients with cor pulmonale at early stage may be in a state of compensated release of NO, but its release reserve has been reduced.