Acute inhibition of glutathione biosynthesis alters endothelial function and blood pressure in rats

The cardiovascular and biochemical responses during acute oxidative stress induced by d, l-buthionine-( S, R)-sulfoximine (BSO) were investigated in Sprague–Dawley rats. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate and vascular reactivity were measured after subcutaneous injection of BSO (4 mmol/kg). Control rats received saline. Levels of GSH and GSSG in blood and tissues as well as renal superoxide were determined. Nitric oxide, prostacyclin and thromboxane A 2 in plasma and aorta, and isoprostane in plasma were also measured. Blood pressure was elevated at 24 h (121±2 vs. 104±2 mm Hg), with increased reactivity to phenylephrine (by a 59±4 vs. 45±2 mm Hg change), and impaired response to sodium nitroprusside (by a −35±2 vs. −63±2 mm Hg change), P