Objective--6R-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-L-biopterin (6R-BH4) is a cofactor for endothelial nitric oxide synthase but also has antioxidant properties. Its stereo-isomer 6S-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-L-biopterin (6S-BH4) and structurally similar pterin 6R,S-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-D-neopterin (NH4) are also antioxidants but have no cofactor function. When endothelial nitric oxide synthase is 6R-BH4-deplete, it synthesizes superoxide rather than nitric oxide. Reduced nitric oxide bioavailability by interaction with reactive oxygen species is implicated in endothelial dysfunction (ED). 6R-BH4 corrects ED in animal models of ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) and in patients with cardiovascular risks. It is unclear whether the effect of exogenous 6R-BH4 on ED is through its cofactor or antioxidant action.

Methods and Results--In healthy volunteers, forearm blood flow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography during intra-arterial infusion of the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine, or the endothelium-independent vasodilator glyceryl trinitrate, before and after IRI. IRI reduced plasma total antioxidant status (P=0.03) and impaired vasodilatation to acetylcholine (P=0.01), but not to glyceryl trinitrate (P=0.3). Intra-arterial infusion of 6R-BH4, 6S-BH4 and NH4 at approximately equimolar concentrations prevented IRI.

Conclusion--IRI causes ED associated with increased oxidative stress that is prevented by 6R-BH4, 6S-BH4, and NH4, an effect mediated perhaps by an antioxidant rather than cofactor function. Regardless of mechanism, 6R-BH4, 6S-BH4, or NH4 may reduce tissue injury during clinical IRI syndromes.