Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with deficits in revascularization following vascular injury and the role of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in SCD vasculopathies is controversial. This study tests L-arginine and NO-hydrogel treatments in a model of vascular insufficiency and finds that neither therapy improves recovery in SCD mice. In fact, delivery of NO at the site of ischemia increases oxidative stress and worsens outcomes, highlighting potential limitations of NO-targeted therapeutics in SCD.
- Caitlin V. Lewis
- Hassan Sellak
- W. Robert Taylor
