A retrospective look at horses exhibiting unusual clinical signs after exercising on L-NAME
Gallatin, L.L.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 41(5): 339-341
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 10509444 Document Number: 504167
Each of 5 horses completed a control run on a treadmill and a run following application of L-NAME at 20 mg/kg body weight. Three of 5 horses exercising on L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) exhibited unusual clinical signs towards the end of exercise bouts and post-exercise. Symptoms included weakness and ataxia. L-NAME is a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor which blocks synthesis of nitric oxide from L-arginine. It is suggested that the induced absence of nitric oxide may have led to the clinical signs observed.