The NO synthase inhibitors L-Name and L-NMMA, but not L-arginine, block the mammalian nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel

(1) Nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors (NOS-I) such as l-Name (N(G)-nitro l-arginine methyl ester) and l-NMMA (N(G)-monomethyl l-arginine) may enhance anesthesia indirectly by inhibiting the NO pathway. Moreover, NOS-I interact directly with receptor proteins. In an animal study, l-NMMA potentiated muscle relaxants. (2) The present experiments investigate the effects of l-NMMA, l-Name, and l-arginine on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel (nAChR) using patch clamp techniques and a piezo-driven application system. Both NOS-I appear to directly interact with the nAChR in the open as well as in the closed conformation. l-Arginine has no effect. Copyright (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.