Nitric Oxide and Physiologic Vasodilation in Human Limbs: Where Do We Go From Here?

Abstract

This brief review highlights human studies on the role of nitric oxide (NO) and limb vasodilation conducted at the Mayo Clinic over the last 10 years. These studies have attempted to determine whether NO is responsible for the "unexplained" limb vasodilation seen with body heating, limb ischemia, exercise, and mental stress. Our findings are placed in context with data from others, and possible future areas of study are identified. Key words: skin blood flow, reactive hyperemia, exercise hyperemia, mental stress