HSP induction inhibits iNOS mRNA expression and attenuates hypotension in endotoxin-challenged rats

Rats exhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hypotension were analyzed to determine the effects of heat shock protein induction and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition on hypotension. LPS-induced hypotension and vasoplegia were mediated by NO synthetic pathway and iNOS activity. Furthermore, LPS-vasoplegia in rats were inhibited by the expression of HSP 70, heme oxygenase-1 and inhibition of NO synthetic pathway or iNOS activity.