The Effects of Atorvastatin on the Nitric Oxide-system in Healthy Young Man

Subjects will be examined on two examination days. 4 days prior to each examination day subjects are treated with either atorvastatin or placebo. During treatment periods subject are given a standardized diet.

On the examination days subject are given L-NMMA(L-NG-monomethyl Arginine citrate), a NO inhibitor, 6 mg bolus infusion followed by continuous 4 mg/kg/hr infusion for 1 hour. Renal function, central hemodynamic and vasoactive hormones are evaluated prior, during and after L-NMMA infusion.

Renal function is measured by renal clearance of 51Cr-EDTA and urinary sodium, potassium and albumin concentration. Urinary excretion of protein from sodium channels such as the NaCl cotransporter (NCC), the Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC) and the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)will be measured to evaluate channel activity in the nephron.

Central blood pressure, pulse wave analysis, and augmentation index are measured using SphygmoCor® from Atcor.

The vasoactive hormones aldosterone, renin, angiotensin II, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic (BNP) and endothelin is measured in plasma

Inclusion criteria

• Men and women, age 18-40 years
• Body Mass Index (BMI) 18,5-30 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• Arterial hypertension (>140 mmHg systolic and/or 90 mmHg diastolic)
• Anamnestic or clinical signs of heart, lung, lever, kidney and brain disease
• Neoplastic disease
• Alcohol abuse,
• Drug abuse
• Medical treatment except oral anticontraceptive
• Smoking
• Pregnancy or
• Abnormal blood and urine sample
• Abnormal ECG
• Blood donation within a month before examination