Hyperoxia Attenuates Endothelial-Mediated Vasodilation in the Human Skin

Abstract

The influence of hyperoxia on the cutaneous vasodilator responses to iontophoretic applications of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was examined in healthy subjects. The breathing of 100% O₂ decreased (P < 0.05) the vasodilator response to Ach, but not to SNP, suggesting that hyperoxia attenuates endothelial-mediated vasodilation of the human skin.