Nitric oxide signaling mechanisms in the forearm vasculature of pregnant women

During pregnancy, forearm blood flow and constrictor responses to nitric oxide synthase inhibition are enhanced. Responses to brachial artery infusion of NG-monomethyl- -arginine in pregnant women who have normal resting forearm blood flow and in pregnant women who have norepinephrine-induced reduced forearm blood flow were no different. Mechanisms independent of acute flow effects may account for the enhanced vascular nitric oxide activity during pregnancy. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:420.)