Method for treating systemic hypotension caused by sepsis or cytokine using arginase in combination with an alpha 1 adrenergic agonist

摘要

Reducing plasma levels of endogenous arginine by parenteral administration of arginine depleting agent limits nitric oxide formation and results in blood pressure increase. Preferably arginase is administered intravenously to raise blood pressure. The arginine depleting agent can be administered in conjunction with arginine antagonists to potentiate the effect of these. The arginine depleting agent can be used concurrently with alpha 1 adrenergic agonists in treating systemic hypotension caused by induced production of nitric oxide, to restore vascular contractile sensitivity to the effect of the alpha 1 adrenergic agonists. Duration of action and avoidance of antigenicity may be obtained by use in conjunction with a carrier or modifier.