ObjectiveDuring spontaneous circulation, nonspecific inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) increases systemic vascular resistance and, therefore, mean arterial pressure. If this effect can be extrapolated to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), administering L-NAME during CPR may be beneficial by maintaining or even improving coronary perfusion pressure, and hence successful defibrillation.DesignProspective, randomized laboratory investigation using an established porcine model with instrumentation for hemodynamic variables, blood gases, and defibrillation attempt.SettingUniversity medical center experimental laboratory.SubjectsTen domestic pigs.InterventionsAfter 4 mins of ventricular fibrillation, ten animals were randomly assigned to receive L-NAME (25 mg/kg; n = 5) or saline placebo (n = 5) (given in two doses) after 3 and 13 mins of CPR, respectively. Defibrillation was provided 5 mins after the second dose of active drug or placebo.Measurements and Main ResultsMean ± sem coronary perfusion pressure was significantly (p< .05) higher 90 secs (27 ± 3 vs. 17 ± 3 mm Hg), 10 mins (28 ± 3 vs. 14 ± 2 mm Hg), and 15 mins (21 ± 5 vs. 7 ± 3 mm Hg) after the first L-NAME administration compared with saline placebo. Mean ± sem coronary perfusion pressure remained significantly higher 90 secs and 5 mins after the second L-NAME vs. saline placebo administration (19 ± 4 vs. 6 ± 4 mm Hg, and 17 ± 3 vs. 4 ± 4 mm Hg). After 22 mins of cardiac arrest, including 18 mins of CPR, four of five pigs in the L-NAME group were successfully defibrillated, and survived the 60-min postresuscitation phase. In the placebo group, none of five pigs could be defibrillated successfully (p< .05).ConclusionsNonspecific blockade of nitric oxide synthase with L-NAME during CPR was associated with an increase in coronary perfusion pressure and resulted in significantly better initial resuscitation when compared with saline placebo.