Nitroglycerin tolerance at the platelet level in patients with angina pectoris

New Developments in Platelet Cyclic Nucleotide Signalling: Therapeutic Implications

Altered platelet physiology may contribute to the emergence of thrombosis in patients with many forms of cardiovascular disease. Excess platelet activation may reflect increased stimulation of pro-aggregatory pathways. There is, however, increasing evidence that excessive platelet response, due to impaired efficacy of anti-aggregatory autacoids such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI₂), may be just as important. For example, diminished platelet response to NO has been documented in acute and chronic myocardial ischaemia, heart failure, aortic valve disease and in the presence of hyperglycaemia. This "NO resistance" has been shown to reflect both the scavenging of NO by reactive oxygen species and dysfunction of its intracellular "receptor", soluble guanylate cyclase. Importantly, these abnormalities of NO signalling are potentially reversible through judicious application of pharmacotherapy. The analogous condition of impaired PGI₂/adenylate cyclase (AC) signalling has received comparatively less attention to date. We have shown that platelet response to prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) is frequently impaired in patients with symptomatic myocardial ischaemia. Because the effects of ADP receptor antagonists such as clopidogrel and ticagrelor at the level of the P2Y₁₂ receptor are coupled with changes in activity of AC, impaired response to PGE₁ might imply both increased thrombotic risk and a reduced efficacy of anti-aggregatory drugs. Accordingly, patient response to treatment with clopidogrel is determined not only by variability of clopidogrel bio-activation, but also extensively by the integrity of platelet AC signalling. We here review these recent developments and their emerging therapeutic implications for thrombotic disorders.

Ramipril sensitizes platelets to nitric oxide: implications for therapy in high-risk patients

OBJECTIVES

Using 2 sequential studies in HOPE (Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation) study-type patients, the aims of this study were: 1) to test the hypothesis that ramipril improves platelet nitric oxide (NO) responsiveness: and 2) to explore biochemical and physiological effects of ramipril in a cohort selected on the basis of platelet NO resistance.

BACKGROUND

Ramipril prevents cardiovascular events, but the bases for these effects remain uncertain. NO resistance at both the platelet and vascular levels is present in a substantial proportion of patients with diabetes or ischemic heart disease and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events.

METHODS

Study 1 was a double-blind, randomized comparison of ramipril (10 mg) with placebo in a cohort of patients (n = 119) with ischemic heart disease or diabetes plus additional coronary risk factor(s), in which effects on platelet responsiveness to NO were compared. Study 2 was a subsequent short-term evaluation of the effects of ramipril in a cohort of subjects (n = 19) with impaired platelet NO responsiveness in whom additional mechanistic data were sought.

RESULTS

In study 1, ramipril therapy increased platelet responsiveness to NO relative to the extent of aggregation (p < 0.001), but this effect occurred primarily in patients with severely impaired baseline NO responsiveness (n = 41). In study 2, ramipril also improved platelet NO responsiveness (p < 0.01), and this improvement was correlated directly with increased NO-stimulated platelet generation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (p < 0.02) but not with changes in plasma thrombospondin-1 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Ramipril ameliorates platelet NO resistance in HOPE study-type patients, with associated increases in soluble guanylate cyclase responsiveness to NO. This effect is likely to contribute to treatment benefit and define patients in whom ramipril therapy is particularly effective.

Long-term oral nitrate therapy is associated with adverse outcome in diabetic patients following elective percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

To assess the impact of long-term oral nitrate therapy on clinical outcome following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with type II diabetes.

METHODS

The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) following elective PCI for stable coronary artery disease was evaluated in 108 patients with type II diabetes (age 64.6±10.5 years, 67.7% men). Major adverse cardiovascular events were defined as the need for revascularization, non-fatal myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of MACEs by clinical characteristics and the prescription of long-term nitrate therapy.

RESULTS

Isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) was prescribed to 46 patients with an average dose of 44.3±15.2 mg/day. After a mean follow up of 25.3±25 months, 16 patients developed MACEs. Patients who received ISMN were more likely to suffer from MACEs (26.1% vs. 6.5%, P=0.01), mainly driven by a higher rate of acute coronary syndrome (13.0 vs 0%, P=0.01). Average daily dose of nitrate and other cardiovascular medication was not associated with MACEs. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that prescription of only ISMN (Hazard Ratio 3.09, 95% CI 1.10-10.21, P=0.04) was an independent predictor for the development of MACEs.

CONCLUSION

Long-term oral nitrate therapy was associated with MACEs following elective coronary artery revascularization by PCI in patients with type II diabetes.

Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction: therapeutic implications

In a previous issue of Annals of Medicine, we presented evidence in support of the concept that an abnormally increased production of reactive oxygen species plays a central role in the genesis and progression of cardiovascular disease. While a number of preclinical lines of evidence support this concept, and despite the results of many studies suggesting a beneficial impact of antioxidant drugs on endothelial function, large clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a benefit of antioxidants on cardiovascular outcomes. Studies exploring the possibility that classical antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, or folic acid may improve the prognosis of patients with cardiac disease have substantially reported neutral-and occasionally negative-results. In contrast, medications such as statins, ACE inhibitors, certain β-blockers, or angiotensin I receptor blockers, which possess indirect 'ancillary' antioxidant properties, have been associated with beneficial effects in both preclinical studies and large clinical trials. The reasons for the failure of the 'direct' approach to antioxidant therapy, and for the success of the therapy with these drugs, are discussed in the present review.

Exploiting cGMP-based therapies for the prevention of left ventricular hypertrophy: NO* and beyond

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), an increased left ventricular (LV) mass, is common to many cardiovascular disorders, initially developing as an adaptive response to maintain myocardial function. In the longer term, this LV remodelling becomes maladaptive, with progressive decline in LV contractility and diastolic function. Indeed LVH is recognised as an important blood-pressure independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The clinical efficacy of current treatments for LVH is reduced, however, by their tendency to slow disease progression rather than induce its reversal, and thus the development of new therapies for LVH is paramount. The signalling molecule cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP), well-recognised for its role in regulating vascular tone, is now being increasingly identified as an important anti-hypertrophic mediator. This review is focused on the various means by which cGMP can be stimulated in the heart, such as via the natriuretic peptides, to exert anti-hypertrophic actions. In particular we address the limitations of traditional nitric oxide (NO*) donors in the face of the potential therapeutic advantages offered by novel alternatives; NO* siblings, ligands of the cGMP-generating enzymes, soluble (sGC) and particulate guanylyl cyclases (pGC), and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Further impact of cGMP within the cardiovascular system is also discussed with a view to representing cGMP-based therapies as innovative pharmacotherapy, alone or concurrent with standard care, for the management of LVH.

The enigma of nitroglycerin bioactivation and nitrate tolerance: news, views and troubles

Nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate; GTN) is the most prominent representative of the organic nitrates or nitrovasodilators, a class of compounds that have been used clinically since the late nineteenth century for the treatment of coronary artery disease (angina pectoris), congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction. Medline lists more than 15 000 publications on GTN and other organic nitrates, but the mode of action of these drugs is still largely a mystery. In the first part of this article, we give an overview on the molecular mechanisms of GTN biotransformation resulting in vascular cyclic GMP accumulation and vasodilation with focus on the role of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) and the link between the ALDH2 reaction and activation of vascular soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). In particular, we address the identity of the bioactive species that activates sGC and the potential involvement of nitrite as an intermediate, describe our recent findings suggesting that ALDH2 catalyses direct 3-electron reduction of GTN to NO and discuss possible reaction mechanisms. In the second part, we discuss contingent processes leading to markedly reduced sensitivity of blood vessels to GTN, referred to as vascular nitrate tolerance. Again, we focus on ALDH2 and describe the current controversy on the role of ALDH2 inactivation in tolerance development. Finally, we emphasize some of the most intriguing, in our opinion, unresolved puzzles of GTN pharmacology that urgently need to be addressed in future studies.

Nitroglycerin-induced S-nitrosylation and desensitization of soluble guanylyl cyclase contribute to nitrate tolerance

Nitrates such as nitroglycerin (GTN) and nitric oxide donors such as S-nitrosothiols are clinically vasoactive through stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), which produces the second messenger cGMP. Development of nitrate tolerance, after exposure to GTN for several hours, is a major drawback to a widely used cardiovascular therapy. We recently showed that exposure to nitric oxide and to S-nitrosothiols causes S-nitrosylation of sGC, which directly desensitizes sGC to stimulation by nitric oxide. We tested the hypothesis that desensitization of sGC by S-nitrosylation is a mechanism of nitrate tolerance. Our results established that vascular tolerance to nitrates can be recapitulated in vivo by S-nitrosylation through exposure to cell membrane-permeable S-nitrosothiols and that sGC is S-nitrosylated and desensitized in the tolerant, treated tissues. We next determined that (1) GTN treatment of primary aortic smooth muscle cells induces S-nitrosylation of sGC and its desensitization as a function of GTN concentration; (2) S-nitrosylation and desensitization are prevented by treatment with N-acetyl-cysteine, a precursor of glutathione, used clinically to prevent development of nitrate tolerance; and (3) S-nitrosylation and desensitization are reversed by cessation of GTN treatment. Finally, we demonstrated that in vivo development of nitrate tolerance and crosstolerance by 3-day chronic GTN treatment correlates with S-nitrosylation and desensitization of sGC in tolerant tissues. These results suggest that in vivo nitrate tolerance is mediated, in part, by desensitization of sGC through GTN-dependent S-nitrosylation.

The deleterious effects of hyperglycemia on platelet function in diabetic patients with acute coronary syndromes mediation by superoxide production, resolution with intensive insulin administration

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess the determinants of platelet nitric oxide (NO) responsiveness in diabetic patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and the short-term effects of aggressive glycemic control on these factors.

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for mortality in both diabetic patients and nondiabetic patients with ACS. The mechanism(s) underlying this observation and potential benefit from its correction remain uncertain. Although a reduction in NO bioavailability has been proposed, this remains untested in the ACS setting.

METHODS

A total of 76 diabetic patients with ACS were studied. Putative correlations between admission blood sugar level (BSL), inhibition of platelet aggregation by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and superoxide (O2-) were assessed. Hyperglycemic patients (n = 60) were randomized to acute glycemic control with intravenous versus subcutaneous insulin, and changes in the aforementioned parameters were compared. Plasma levels of the endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were also monitored.

RESULTS

There was an inverse correlation between admission BSL and both platelet SNP response (p = 0.007) and ADMA levels (p = 0.045), and a positive correlation with O2- generation (p < 0.001). Intravenous insulin infusion resulted in a greater reduction (p < 0.001) in BSL, differentially improved platelet responsiveness to SNP (p = 0.049), and decreased O2- (p < 0.001) and ADMA levels (p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

A component of platelet dysfunction in diabetic patients with ACS is impaired responsiveness to the anti-aggregatory effects of NO, probably reflecting increased NO clearance by O2-. This phenomenon is reversed by acute aggressive glycemic control. These findings provide a further rationale for use of insulin therapy in acute myocardial infarction and suggest its extension to ACS patients.

Preservation of platelet responsiveness to nitroglycerine despite development of vascular nitrate tolerance

AIMS

Organic nitrates, via nitric oxide (NO) release, induce vasodilatation and inhibit platelet aggregation. Development of nitrate tolerance in some vascular preparations may be associated with diminished responsiveness to NO. To date it is not known to what extent vascular tolerance to organic nitrates is associated with acquired platelet hypo-responsiveness to NO. In the current study we compared the acute and chronic effects of sustained release (SR) isosorbide 5' mono-nitrate (ISMN) and transdermal nitroglycerine (TD-NTG) on blood vessels (effects on apparent arterial stiffness) and platelets (effects on responsiveness to NO donors) in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP).

METHODS

Patients (n = 34) with SAP entered a blinded randomized crossover study of ISMN (120 mg) vs. intermittent TD-NTG (15 mg 24 h(-1)). Effects of each nitrate on pulse wave reflection (augmentation index (AIx)), platelet response to adenosine di-phosphate (ADP 1 micromol l(-1)), nitroglycerine (NTG 100 micromol l(-1)) and the non-nitrate NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP 10 micromol l(-1)), were measured pre-dose, 4 and 8 h post dose, on three occasions: 1) at the end of a pre-nitrate phase, 2) after dosing for 7 days and 3) following 14 days of full dose therapy with either nitrate.

RESULTS

Acutely, both ISMN and TD-NTG markedly reduced AIx. After 14 days, these effects were significantly attenuated (ANOVA, P = 0.018) but not abolished, indicating development of nitrate tolerance. Neither nitrate preparation affected ADP (1 micromol l(-1))-induced platelet aggregation. Platelet responsiveness to NTG (100 micromol l(-1)) and SNP (10 micromol l(-1)) was not diminished during chronic nitrate therapy, and there was no evidence of 'rebound' hyper-aggregability during 'nitrate-free' periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic therapy with either ISMN or TD-NTG is associated with development of vascular tolerance. Despite the induction of vascular tolerance, platelet responsiveness to NTG and SNP remains unaffected. Therefore, development of vascular tolerance is unlikely to compromise the anti-aggregatory effects of organic nitrates, or those of endogenous NO.

Platelet nitric oxide responsiveness: a novel prognostic marker in acute coronary syndromes

OBJECTIVE

Nitric oxide (NO) is critically important in the regulation of vascular tone and the inhibition of platelet aggregation. We have shown previously that patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or stable angina pectoris have impaired platelet responses to NO donors when compared with normal subjects. We tested the hypotheses that platelet hyporesponsiveness to NO is a predictor of (1) cardiovascular readmission and/or death and (2) all-cause mortality in patients with ACS (unstable angina pectoris or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients (n=51) with ACS had evaluation of platelet aggregation within 24 hours of coronary care unit admission using impedance aggregometry. Patients were categorized as having "normal" (> or =32% inhibition of ADP-induced aggregation with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside; 10 micromol/L; n=18) or "impaired" (<32% inhibition of ADP-induced aggregation; n=33) NO responses. We then compared the incidence of cardiovascular readmission and death during a median of 7 years of follow-up in these 2 groups. Using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for age, sex, index event, postdischarge medical treatment, revascularization status, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, concurrent disease states, and cardiac risk factors, impaired NO responsiveness was associated with an increased risk of the combination of cardiovascular readmission and/or death (relative risk, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.03 to 7.10; P=0.041) and all-cause mortality (relative risk, 6.3; 95% CI, 1.09 to 36.7; P=0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired platelet NO responsiveness is a novel, independent predictor of increased mortality and cardiovascular morbidity in patients with high-risk ACS.

BIOCHEMICAL MECHANISM OF NITROGLYCERIN ACTION AND TOLERANCE: Is This Old Mystery Solved?

Organic nitrates such as nitroglycerin (NTG) have been used as potent vasodilators in medicine for more than a century, but their biochemical mechanisms of action, particularly in relation to tolerance development, are still incompletely defined. Numerous candidate enzymes for NTG metabolism, as well as a multiplicity of tolerance mechanisms, have been proposed in the literature, but a consolidating hypothesis that links these phenomena together has not appeared. Here, we outline a "thionitrate oxidation hypothesis," which attempts to link nitrate bioactivation and tolerance development in an overall mechanism. We also attempt to compare and contrast the proposed mechanism against existing theories of nitrate action and tolerance. Interactions between organic nitrates, which have been thought of as endothelium-independent agents, and the vascular endothelium and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are also discussed.

Studies on inhibition of human platelet function by sodium nitroprusside. Kinetic evaluation of the effect on aggregation and cyclic nucleotide content

In this study, we explored the ability of sodium nitroprusside to inhibit the aggregation of human platelets in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood and its effects on intracellular levels of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). The experiments investigated dose-dependent effects of nitroprusside starting from concentrations in the range of circulating levels achievable in vivo during drug administration in humans. Furthermore, we investigated the time-course of both antiaggregating action and the influence on cyclic nucleotide synthesis. Results showed that sodium nitroprusside inhibited the aggregation induced by adenosine 5-diphosphate (ADP) and collagen starting from concentration as low as 2 micromol/l. The IC(50) value for ADP-induced aggregation in PRP was 18.7+/-2.4 micromol/l. The inhibition of platelet aggregation showed a time-dependent behaviour and was not reversible within 90 min. The accumulation of intraplatelet cGMP in the presence of sodium nitroprusside exhibited a comparable time-course characterized by an early increase, a steady state and a late further increase. The time-course of cAMP synthesis was very similar to that of cGMP. Our data evidenced a long-lasting inhibition of platelet responses by sodium nitroprusside and excluded a desensitization of platelet guanylyl cyclase after 3-h exposure to nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, they indicated a role of cAMP accumulation in the antiaggregating effects of nitroso donor: the simultaneous increase of intracellular content of cAMP and cGMP can synergize in the reduction of the platelet responses.

Stable angina and acute coronary syndromes are associated with nitric oxide resistance in platelets

OBJECTIVES

The study examined possible clinical determinants of platelet resistance to nitric oxide (NO) donors in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS), relative to nonischemic patients and normal subjects.

BACKGROUND

We have shown previously that platelets from patients with SAP are resistant to the antiaggregating effects of nitroglycerin (NTG) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP).

METHODS

Extent of adenosine diphosphate (1 micromol/liter)-induced platelet aggregation (impedance aggregometry in whole blood) and inhibition of aggregation by NTG (100 micromol/liter) and SNP (10 micromol/liter) were compared in normal subjects (n = 43), nonischemic patients (those with chest pain but no fixed coronary disease, (n = 35) and patients with SAP (n = 82) or ACS (n = 153). Association of NO resistance with coronary risk factors, coronary artery disease (CAD), intensity of angina and current medication was examined by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

In patients with SAP and ACS as distinct from nonischemic patients and normal subjects, platelet aggregability was increased (both p < 0.01), and inhibition of aggregation by NTG and SNP was decreased (both p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that NO resistance occurred significantly more frequently with ACS than with SAP (odds ratio [OR] 2.3:1), and was less common among patients treated with perhexiline (OR 0.3:1) or statins (OR 0.45:1). Therapy with other antianginal drugs, extent of CAD, intensity of angina and coronary risk factors were not associated with variability in platelet responsiveness to NO donor.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with symptomatic ischemic heart disease, especially ACS, exhibit increased platelet aggregability and decreased platelet responsiveness to the antiaggregatory effects of NO donors. The extent of NO resistance in platelets is not correlated with coronary risk factors. Pharmacotherapy with perhexiline and/or statins may improve platelet responsiveness to NO.

Nitroglycerin tolerance in human vessels: evidence for impaired nitroglycerin bioconversion

BACKGROUND

The basis for progressive attenuation of the effects of organic nitrates during long-term therapy (nitrate tolerance) remains controversial; proposed mechanisms include impaired nitrate bioconversion resulting in decreased release of nitric oxide (NO) from nitrates and/or increased NO clearance through a reaction with incrementally generated superoxide (O(2)(-)).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass were randomized to receive 24 hours of intravenously infused nitroglycerin (NTG; nitrate group) or no nitrate therapy (control group). Discarded segments of the internal mammary artery and saphenous vein were used to examine (1) vascular responsiveness to NTG, sodium nitroprusside, and the calcium ionophore A23187; (2) bioconversion of NTG to 1,2- and 1,3-glyceryl dinitrate; and (3) the generation of O(2)(-). Responses to NTG were reduced 3- to 5-fold in vessels from the nitrate group compared with control vessels (P:<0. 01 for both types of segments), whereas responses to sodium nitroprusside and A23187 were unchanged. Tissue content of 1, 2-glyceryl dinitrate was lower (P:=0.012) in the saphenous veins from the nitrate group than in those from the control group. O(2)(-) generation was greater (P:<0.01) in internal mammary artery samples from the nitrate group than in those from the control group. However, incremental O(2)(-) generation induced by an inhibitor of superoxide dismutase did not affect NTG responses.

CONCLUSIONS

NTG tolerance in patients with coronary artery disease is nitrate-specific and is associated with evidence of impaired NTG bioconversion. Tolerance was associated with incremental O(2)(-) generation, but short-term elevation of O(2)(-) did not affect NTG responsiveness, suggesting increased NO clearance by O(2)(-) has a minimal contribution to tolerance.

Knowledge and use of sublingual nitroglycerin and cardiac-related quality of life in patients with chronic stable angina

Relationships among sublingual nitroglycerin (SLN) knowledge and use, general aspects of angina self-management, and quality of life were investigated in 95 patients with angina (age 63 +/-11 years). Quality of life was measured using a reliable and valid questionnaire, the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Older age (p = 0. 04), male gender (p = 0.0001), more recent diagnosis with coronary artery disease (p = 0.02), and distant recall of SLN instruction (p = 0.02) predicted poorer SLN knowledge (R(2) = 0.26, p < 0.001). Male gender (p = 0.001) predicted more difficulty with SLN use (R(2) = 0.15, p = 0.005). A "bad" experience with SLN was associated with poorer quality of life (r = -22, p = 0.047). Sixty-five percent lacked knowledge about using SLN to prevent symptoms and 32.6% took SLN for symptoms other than chest pain. Findings support the need for more frequent reinforcement of patient education, especially in the areas of preventive use of SLN and side effect management.

Nitrate resistance in platelets from patients with stable angina pectoris

BACKGROUND

Hemodynamic resistance to nitrates has been previously documented in congestive heart failure. In patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), we have observed a similar phenomenon: decreased platelet response to disaggregating effects of nitroglycerin (NTG) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In blood samples from normal subjects (n=32) and patients with SAP (n=56), we studied effects of NO donors (NTG and SNP) on ADP-induced platelet aggregation and on intraplatelet cGMP. NTG and SNP inhibited platelet aggregation in patients to lesser extents than in normal subjects (P<0.01). The cGMP-elevating efficacy of NTG and SNP was diminished in platelets from patients in comparison with those from normals (P<0.001). Inhibition of the anti-aggregatory effects of NTG and SNP by ODQ, a selective inhibitor of NO-stimulated guanylate cyclase, was significantly less pronounced in patients than in normal subjects. Content of O2- was higher in blood samples from patients than in those from normal subjects (P<0. 01). In blood samples from patients with SAP, but not in normal subjects, the O2- scavenger superoxide dismutase (combined with catalase) suppressed platelet aggregation (P<0.01) and increased the extent of anti-aggregatory effect of SNP (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with SAP, platelets are less responsive to the anti-aggregating and cGMP-stimulating effects of NO donors; this may reflect both reduction in guanylate cyclase sensitivity to NO and inactivation of the released NO by O2-. The implied impairment of anti-platelet efficacy of endogenous NO (in the form of EDRF) may contribute to platelet hyperaggregability associated with angina pectoris.

Tolerance induction by transdermal glyceryl trinitrate in rats

Mechanisms of mild glyceryl trinitrate tolerance in rats (transdermal application; 15 mg/day/2 days) were examined in isolated aortic rings contracted with phenylephrine. Tolerance to glyceryl trinitrate was comparable in both endothelium-intact and -denuded vessels; the maximum relaxation decreased to 70-80% and the EC50 increased 3-4-fold. There was minimal cross-tolerance to acetylcholine (1.7-fold increase in EC50) and none to sodium nitroprusside. The results suggest that mild tolerance to glyceryl trinitrate in rats is mediated by mechanisms which are predominantly endothelium-independent and which produce little activation of the cellular mechanism responsible for cross-tolerance.

Drug therapy before coronary artery surgery: nitrates are independent predictors of mortality and beta-adrenergic blockers predict survival

We conducted this study to evaluate whether there is an association between preoperative drug therapy and in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery graft surgery. We collected data on 1593 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery surgery. The relative risk of in-hospital mortality was determined by logistic regression with in-hospital mortality as the dependent variable, and independent variables that included known risk factors and preoperative cardioactive or antithrombotic drug treatment, i.e., age; left ventricular function; left main coronary artery disease; urgent priority; gender; previous cardiac surgery; concurrent cardiovascular surgery; chronic lung disease; creatinine concentration; hemoglobin concentration; diabetes; hypertension; cerebrovascular disease; recent myocardial infarction; prior vascular surgery; number of arteries bypassed; and regular daily treatment with beta-blockers, aspirin within 5 days, calcium antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, digoxin, or warfarin. In-hospital mortality was 3.3%. The relative risk of in-hospital mortality (with 95% confidence intervals of the relative risk) associated with the following drug treatments was: nitrates 3.8 (1.5-9.6), beta-blockers 0.4 (0.2-0.8), aspirin within 5 days 1.0 (0.5-1.9), calcium antagonists 1.1 (0.6-2.1), ACE inhibitors 0.8 (0.4-1.5), digoxin 0.7 (0.2-1.8), and warfarin 0.3 (0.1-1.6). We conclude that in-hospital mortality is positively associated with preoperative nitrate therapy and negatively associated with beta-adrenergic blocker therapy. A significant association between in-hospital mortality and the preoperative use of calcium antagonists, ACE inhibitors, aspirin, digoxin, and warfarin was not confirmed.

IMPLICATIONS

We examined the association between common drug treatments for ischemic heart disease and short-term survival after cardiac surgery using a statistical method to adjust for patients' preoperative medical condition. Death after surgery was more likely after nitrate therapy and less likely after beta-blocker therapy.