Oxidative Modification of Rat Blood Proteins after Lesioning of Capsaicin-Sensitive Nerves and Changes in Nitric Oxide Levels

Abstract

Oxidative modification of blood proteins in rats after lesioning of afferent nerves with capsaicin (150 mg/kg, s.c.) and changes in nitric oxide (NO) contents were studied in terms of levels of protein carbonyl derivatives. Deafferentation of capsaicin-sensitive nerves induced increases in the level of protein carbonyl derivatives. Increases in NO levels using L-arginine did not alter measures of the oxidative modification of proteins after lesioning of capsaicin-sensitive innervation. A similar lack of effect was seen after blockade of neuronal NO synthase (n-NOS) by the selective inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI). Increases in markers of oxidative destruction of proteins in capsaicin-treated animals were seen after blockade of NO synthesis by the nonselective inhibitor L-NAME. These results show that deafferentation of capsaicin-sensitive nerves induces oxidative modification of proteins and that this process involves NO.