Cardiovascular research
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Cardiovascular research · Dec 2004
Nitric oxide contributes to oxygen demand-supply balance in hypoperfused right ventricle.
The present study examined the role of nitric oxide (NO) in oxygen demand-supply balance in hypoperfused canine right ventricular myocardium. ⋯ During right coronary hypoperfusion, right ventricular function is well maintained, but myocardial oxygen consumption falls, reflecting an increase in oxygen utilization efficiency. NO contributes to this adaptation to hypoperfusion by restraining myocardial oxygen consumption, and by promoting coronary vasodilation with less severe reduction in myocardial PO(2). NO has an important role in right ventricular oxygen demand-supply balance when right coronary perfusion pressure is reduced.