Non-selective Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor Research Articles

Nitric oxide-mediated central sympathetic excitation promotes CNS and pulmonary O₂ toxicity.

In hyperbaric oxygen (HBO(2)) at or above 3 atmospheres absolute (ATA), autonomic pathways link central nervous system (CNS) oxygen toxicity to pulmonary damage, possibly through a paradoxical and poorly characterized relationship between central nitric oxide production and sympathetic outflow. To investigate this possibility, we assessed sympathetic discharges, catecholamine release, cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, and lung damage in rats exposed to oxygen at 5 or 6 ATA. Before HBO(2) exposure, either a selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) or a nonselective NOS inhibitor was injected directly into the cerebral ventricles to minimize effects on the lung, heart, and peripheral circulation. Experiments were performed on both anesthetized and conscious rats to differentiate responses to HBO(2) from the effects of anesthesia. EEG spikes, markers of CNS toxicity in anesthetized animals, were approximately four times as likely to develop in control rats than in animals with central NOS inhibition. In inhibitor-treated animals, autonomic discharges, cardiovascular pressures, catecholamine release, and cerebral blood flow all remained below baseline throughout exposure to HBO(2). In control animals, however, initial declines in these parameters were followed by significant increases above their baselines. In awake animals, central NOS inhibition significantly decreased the incidence of clonic-tonic convulsions or delayed their onset, compared with controls. The novel findings of this study are that NO produced by nNOS in the periventricular regions of the brain plays a critical role in the events leading to both CNS toxicity in HBO(2) and to the associated sympathetic hyperactivation involved in pulmonary injury.

Involvement of the L‐arginine/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in peripheral antinociception induced by N‐palmitoyl‐ethanolamine in rats

N-palmitoyl-ethanolamine (PEA) is an endogenous substance that was first identified in lipid tissue extracts. It has been classified as a CB(2) receptor agonist. Exogenous PEA has the potential to become a valid treatment for neuropathic and inflammatory pain. In spite of the well-demonstrated antiinflammatory properties of PEA, its involvement in controlling pain pathways remains poorly characterized. The participation of the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in peripheral antinociception has been established by our group to the μ-, κ- or δ-opioid receptor agonists, nonsteroidal analgesics, α(2C) -adrenoceptor agonists, and even nonpharmacological electroacupuncture. The aim of this study was to verify whether the peripheral antinociception effects of PEA involve the activation of this pathway. All drugs were locally administered to the right hind paw of male Wistar rats. The paw pressure test was used, with hyperalgesia induced by intraplantar injection of prostaglandin E(2) . PEA elicited a local peripheral antinociceptive effect that was antagonized by the nonselective NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NOARG and the selective neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibitor L-NPA. Selective inhibition of endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) NOS via L-NIO and L-NIL, respectively, was ineffective at blocking the effects of a local PEA injection. In addition, the dosage of nitrite in the homogenized paw, as determined by colorimetric assay, indicated that exogenous PEA is able to induce NO release. The soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ antagonized the PEA effect, whereas the cGMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitor zaprinast potentiated the antinociceptive effect of low-dose PEA. This study provides evidence that PEA activates nNOS, thus initiating the NO/cGMP pathway and inducing peripheral antinociceptive effects.

Protective effect of 17β-estradiol on ischemic acute kidney injury through the renal sympathetic nervous system

Enhanced renal sympathetic nerve activity during an ischemic period and renal venous norepinephrine overflow after reperfusion play important roles in the development of ischemic acute kidney injury. In this study, we examined the effect of 17β-estradiol on the renal sympathetic nervous system and kidney function in ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury in anesthetized rats. Ischemic acute kidney injury was induced by clamping the left renal artery and vein for 45min followed by reperfusion, 2weeks after a contralateral nephrectomy. Intravenous injection of 17β-estradiol (100μg/kg) 15min before reperfusion suppressed enhanced renal sympathetic nerve activity during renal ischemia, also suppressed renal venous norepinephrine overflow after reperfusion, and attenuated ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal dysfunction with histological damage. The above renoprotective effects of 17β-estradiol were reversed by pretreatment with tamoxifen (5mg/kg), an estrogen receptor antagonist, or NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (0.3mg/kg), a non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. These results indicate that 17β-estradiol can suppress enhanced renal sympathetic nerve activity during renal ischemia, and its consequent effect on norepinephrine overflow from nerve endings, by nitric oxide production via estrogen receptors. These effects appear to contribute to renoprotection against ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal injury.

Chronic administration of atorvastatin induced anti-convulsant effects in mice: The role of nitric oxide

Atorvastatin has neuroprotective effects, and there is some evidence that nitric oxide is involved in atorvastatin effects. In this study, we evaluated whether the nitrergic system is involved in the anticonvulsant effects of chronic atorvastatin administration. Intravenous and intraperitoneal pentylenetetrazol were used to induce seizures in mice. Chronic atorvastatin treatment significantly increased the seizure threshold which is induced by both intravenous and intraperitoneal pentylenetetrazol. Intraperitoneal pentylenetetrazol also decreased the incidence of tonic seizure and death in atorvastatin-treated groups. Chronic co-administration of a non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, l-NAME, or a selective inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, aminoguanidine, with atorvastatin inhibited atorvastatin-induced anticonvulsant effects in intravenous model of pentylenetetrazol. Acute injection of l-NAME or aminoguanidine inhibited the anticonvulsant effects of atorvastatin in both models of intravenous- and intraperitoneal-pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. In conclusion, we demonstrated that nitric oxide signaling probably through inducible nitric oxide synthase could be involved in the anticonvulsant effects of atorvastatin.

Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors Modulate Nerve-Growth-Factor Mediated Activation of Akt

Nitric oxide (NO) modulates nerve-growth-factor- (NGF-) mediated signaling and gene expression. In the present paper, the role of NO in NGF-mediated Akt activation in PC12 and IMR32 cells was investigated. Cells were treated with NGF (50 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors and Akt phosphorylation assessed by western blot analysis. In both cell lines, Akt was phosphorylated within 15 min of NGF treatment. In PC12 cells, this level of phosphorylation was sustained for 60 min, while in IMR32 cells, the activation decreased after 30 min of NGF treatment. The nonselective NOS inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME; 20 mM) had no effect on NGF-mediated Akt phosphorylation in PC12 cells but in combination with NGF, the iNOS selective inhibitor s-methylisothiourea (S-MIU; 2.0 mM) maintained Akt phosphorylation up to 2 h. In IMR32 cells, both L-NAME and S-MIU prolonged the activation of Akt. Pretreatment with 50 μM U0126, a MAP kinase pathway inhibitor, also increased the activation of Akt in both cell lines. These data suggest that NO modulates the duration of phosphorylation of Akt in response to NGF and that this effect may, in part, be mediated by the effects of NO on the Ras-MAP kinase pathway.

Protective effects of acute lithium preconditioning against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat: Role of nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase systems

Delayed graft function secondary to ischemia/reperfusion injury has been shown to be associated with increased rate of allograft failure following kidney transplantation. Previously, we have shown that chronic lithium pretreatment protects kidney against ischemia/reperfusion injury. In the present study we aimed to examine the effects of acute lithium administration on the renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat. Ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced by clamping left renal pedicle for 60min, two weeks after right nephrectomy. The mechanism of lithium-mediated renoprotection was explored by combined use of lithium and nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) and/or indomethacin (non-selective cyclooxygenase pathway inhibitor). Lithium-treated animals were given 40mg/kg lithium chloride intraperitoneally, 30min before ischemia. To investigate the role of nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase pathways in renoprotective effect of lithium, L-NAME and/or indomethacin were administered before lithium injection. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and renal histology were assessed after 24h of reperfusion. Lithium preconditioning significantly reduced creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (P<0.001) and improved renal histology. Administration of L-NAME completely reversed renoprotective effect of lithium. In contrast indomethacin significantly potentiated the lithium renoprotection. Moreover, co-administration of L-NAME and indomethacin completely abolished the protective effects of lithium. The results show that a single dose of lithium significantly improves renal function following ischemia/reperfusion injury. In conclusion, the ability of lithium to enhance renal tissue tolerance against ischemia/reperfusion injury suggests a potential clinical application in the setting of kidney transplantation. However, more detailed investigations are required before any definite conclusion.

Gastroprotective Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 in Indomethacin-Induced Gastropathy: Other Potential Mechanisms

Though recently the mitochondrial bioenergetic coenzyme (Co)Q10 has been shown to protect against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration, yet the full mechanistic cassettes have not been investigated. Therefore, the current investigation assessed further gastroprotective mechanisms of CoQ10 using the indomethacin-induced gastropathy model. While CoQ10 was administered at 3 dose levels to male Wistar rats, the proton pump inhibitor, pantoprazole, was given at 4 dose levels ahead of pyloric ligation and indomethacin administration. Indomethacin evoked gastric ulcerations that were associated by decreased gastric mucosal nitric oxide and glutathione levels. The NSAID reduced gastric volume and mucin content, but increased titratable acidity, acid output, and peptic activity. CoQ10, especially at the higher dose levels, as well as pantoprazole pretreatments reverted almost all diversions induced by the NSAID to different extends. Moreover, preadministration with the nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NAME, boosted ulcer formation that was associated by suppression of gastric mucosal nitric oxide in CoQ10 and pantoprazole-treated groups. The current investigation shows that CoQ10 guards against gastric ulceration via its partial inhibition of titratable acidity and peptic activity, as well as enhancement of mucin secretion due to both gastric mucosal nitric oxide and glutathione replenishment, especially at the higher dose levels.

Noradrenaline activates the NO/cGMP/ATP-sensitive K+ channels pathway to induce peripheral antinociception in rats

Despite the classical peripheral pronociceptive effect of noradrenaline (NA), recently studies showed the involvement of NA in antinociceptive effect under immune system interaction. In addition, the participation of the NO/cGMP/KATP pathway in the peripheral antinociception has been established by our group as the molecular mechanism of another adrenoceptor agonist xylazine. Thus the aim of this study was to obtain pharmacological evidences for the involvement of the NO/cGMP/KATP pathway in the peripheral antinociceptive effect induced by exogenous noradrenaline. The rat paw pressure test was used, with hyperalgesia induced by intraplantar injection of prostaglandin E2 (2μg/paw). All drugs were locally administered into the right hind paw of male Wistar rats. NA (5, 20 and 80ng/paw) elicited a local inhibition of hyperalgesia. The non-selective NO synthase inhibitor l-NOarg (12, 18 and 24μg/paw) antagonized the antinociception effect induced by the highest dose of NA. The soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (25, 50 and 100μg/paw) antagonized the NA-induced effect; and cGMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitor zaprinast (50μg/paw) potentiated the antinociceptive effect of NA low dose (5ng/paw). In addition, the local effect of NA was antagonized by a selective blocker of an ATP-sensitive K+ channel, glibenclamide (20, 40 and 80μg/paw). On the other hand, the specifically voltage-dependent K+ channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (30μg/paw), Ca2+-activated K+ channel blockers of small and large conductance types dequalinium (50μg/paw) and paxilline (20μg/paw), respectively, were not able to block local antinociceptive effect of NA. The results provide evidences that NA probably induces peripheral antinociceptive effects by activation of the NO/cGMP/KATP pathway.

Effects of hypercapnia and NO synthase inhibition in sustained hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction

BackgroundAcute respiratory disorders may lead to sustained alveolar hypoxia with hypercapnia resulting in impaired pulmonary gas exchange. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) optimizes gas exchange during local acute (0-30 min), as well as sustained (> 30 min) hypoxia by matching blood perfusion to alveolar ventilation. Hypercapnia with acidosis improves pulmonary gas exchange in repetitive conditions of acute hypoxia by potentiating HPV and preventing pulmonary endothelial dysfunction. This study investigated, if the beneficial effects of hypercapnia with acidosis are preserved during sustained hypoxia as it occurs, e.g in permissive hypercapnic ventilation in intensive care units. Furthermore, the effects of NO synthase inhibitors under such conditions were examined.MethodWe employed isolated perfused and ventilated rabbit lungs to determine the influence of hypercapnia with or without acidosis (pH corrected with sodium bicarbonate), and inhibitors of endothelial as well as inducible NO synthase on acute or sustained HPV (180 min) and endothelial permeability.ResultsIn hypercapnic acidosis, HPV was intensified in sustained hypoxia, in contrast to hypercapnia without acidosis when HPV was amplified during both phases. L-NG-Nitroarginine (L-NNA), a non-selective NO synthase inhibitor, enhanced acute as well as sustained HPV under all conditions, however, the amplification of sustained HPV induced by hypercapnia with or without acidosis compared to normocapnia disappeared. In contrast 1400 W, a selective inhibitor of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), decreased HPV in normocapnia and hypercapnia without acidosis at late time points of sustained HPV and selectively reversed the amplification of sustained HPV during hypercapnia without acidosis. Hypoxic hypercapnia without acidosis increased capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc). This increase disappeared after administration of 1400 W.ConclusionHypercapnia with and without acidosis increased HPV during conditions of sustained hypoxia. The increase of sustained HPV and endothelial permeability in hypoxic hypercapnia without acidosis was iNOS dependent.

The Roles of Angiotensin II Receptors in the Portosystemic Collaterals of Portal Hypertensive and Cirrhotic Rats

Background/Aims:In liver cirrhosis/portal hypertension, collaterals as varices may bleed and are influenced by vasoresponsiveness. An angiotensin blockade ameliorates portal hypertension but the influence on collaterals is unknown. Methods:Portal hypertension and cirrhosis were induced by portal vein (PVL) and common bile duct ligation (BDL). Hemodynamics, real-time PCR of angiotensin II receptors (AT₁R, AT₂R) in the left adrenal vein (LAV, sham) and splenorenal shunt derived from LAV (PVL, BDL) were performed. With an in situcollateral perfusion model, angiotensin II vasoresponsiveness with different preincubations was evaluated: (1) vehicle; (2) AT₁R blocker losartan; (3) losartan plus nonselective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (N^ω-nitro-L-arginine); (4) AT₂R blocker PD123319; (5) PD123319 plus N^ω-nitro-L-arginine; (6) N^ω-nitro-L-arginine, and (7) losartan plus inducible NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine. Results: LAV AT₁R and AT₂R expression decreased in PVL and BDL rats. Losartan attenuated angiotensin II-elicited vasoconstriction but PD123319 had no effect. N^ω-nitro-L-arginine but not aminoguanidine reversed the losartan effect. Conclusions:Angiotensin receptors are downregulated in the collateral vessel of portal hypertensive and cirrhotic rats. The AT₁R blockade attenuates the angiotensin II vasoconstrictive effect, suggesting AT₁R mediates collateral vasoconstriction and the influence of AT₂R is negligible. The lack of aminoguanidine influence indicates that endothelial NOS participates in the losartan effect.

Nitrergic, glutamatergic and gabaergic systems in lithium toxicity

We examined the role of nitrergic, glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic systems in the mechanism(s) underlying lithium induced acute toxicity. With this aim, lithium (18 mEq/kg, i.p.) intoxicated rats were observed for 3 hr recording their clinical signs and death. Lithium exposure at the dose used produced central nervous system (CNS) depression. Pre-treatment of N(w)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) a nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (10 mg/kg, i.p.), 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) a selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (25 mg/kg, i.p.), nitric oxide precursor L-arginine (1,000 mg/kg, i.p.) and MK-801 a noncompetitive antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid class of glutamate receptors (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) all increased CNS depression and mortality in lithium group however, no change was seen in GABA receptor agonist GABA (1,000 mg/kg, i.p.) or D-arginine (1,000 mg/kg, i.p.) a biologically inactive enantiomer of L-arginine pre-treated rats. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) enzyme activity was measured in hippocampus, cerebral cortex and cerebellum of the different groups of animals. GAD enzyme activity reduced in cerebral cortex but not altered in hippocampus or cerebellum by lithium as compared to the control (saline) group. We conclude that an interaction with nitrergic and glutamatergic systems may have a role in the acute toxicity of lithium in rats.The inhibition of glutamate metabolism may arise from this interaction and the involvement of GABA-ergic system should be further investigated in this toxicity.

Mitochondrial Nitric Oxide Synthase Participates in Septic Shock Myocardial Depression by Nitric Oxide Overproduction and Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Opening

The aim of this study was to determine whether mitochondrial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) is involved in septic shock myocardial depression. The cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method was used to induce septic shock. There was a significant depression of hemodynamic parameters recorded in the septic shock stage. After using nonselective NOS inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), inducible NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (AMG), and neuronal NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), depression of the parameters was partly attenuated. Nitric oxide production in isolated cardiac mitochondria increased obviously in the CLP-septic shock stage, L-NAME and 7-NI both decreased NO production significantly. Nitrite/nitrate (NOx) production in the septic shock stage was much greater than those in the corresponding sham groups, and NOx production in the cytosol by inducible NOS was greater. Treatment with AMG suppressed NOx production in the cytosol by iNOS, whereas treatment with 7-NI decreased NOx production in the mitochondria. Mitochondrial NOS expression increased significantly in the septic shock stage, and its overexpression was attenuated using 7-NI. There was no significant decrease in the mitochondrial permeability transition pore measurement in the CLP-septic shock group, whereas a significant decrease was observed in those treated with L-NAME or 7-NI. These results indicate that overexpression of mitochondrial NOS is involved in myocardial depression.

Effect of nebivolol, a novel beta 1-selective adrenoceptor antagonist with vasodilating properties, on kidney function.

Nebivolol (CAS 99200-09-6) is a novel beta 1-selective adrenoceptor antagonist which possesses vasodilating properties and lowers systemic vascular resistance in dogs and humans, presumably by a nitric oxide-related mechanism. In the present study, clearance techniques were applied to anaesthetized male Sprague Dawley rats, and the effects of nebivolol on renal hemodynamics (glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow), on urinary excretion of sodium, chloride and potassium, on renal NO-excretion, and on plasma renin activity were studied. Nebivolol doses ranging from 0.1 to 2 mg/kg i.v. were tested. The results revealed that nebivolol dose-dependently increased glomerular filtration rate, urine flow and urinary excretion of sodium and chloride. Potassium excretion was only inconsistently increased and showed no dose dependency. At a dose of 1 mg/kg, the drug also significantly increased renal plasma flow measured as 3H-PAH (p-aminohippurate) clearance. The effect of nebivolol on the glomerular filtration rate could be abolished by L-NMMA (N6-monomethyl-L-arginine) (1 mg/kg), a non-selective inhibitor of NO-synthase and by iminoethyllysine (1 mg/kg), a relatively selective inhibitor of the inducible NO-synthase, but not by 7-nitroindazole (1 mg/kg), a relatively selective inhibitor of the neuronal NO-synthase isoform. The saluretic effect of nebivolol was diminished by all of the three NO-synthase inhibitors, but could not be completely reversed. At a dose of 2 mg/kg, nebivolol increased renal NO-excretion by 70.7%. This effect could be completely abolished by L-NMMA (1 mg/kg). Plasma renin activity was lowered by nebivolol (2 mg/kg) from 14.6 +/- 1.49 to 6.5 +/- 1.66 ng angiotensin I/ml/h (p < 0.01). The results demonstrate that, in anaesthetized rats, nebivolol exerts significant renal vasodilating effects and increases urinary excretion of fluid and solutes. The actions of nebivolol on renal hemodynamics are assumed to be mediated by a stimulation of the NO-synthase, probably the inducible isoform. Since none of the NO-synthase inhibitors could completely abolish the saluretic effect of nebivolol, an additional mechanism, not related to NO, may be involved in the tubular action of this drug.

Synergistic Effect of Nitric Oxide Synthase and Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors on Carrageenan-induced Paw Edema in Rats

The present study examined the effects of L-nitroarginine methylester (L-NAME, CAS 50903-99-6), a non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, indometacin (IND, CAS 3305-29-1), a non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, and a combination of these agents (L-NAME + IND) on carrageenan-induced paw edema for 4 h after the injection of carrageenan in rats. L-NAME at 10 and 30 mg/ kg but not 3 mg/kg (i.p.) decreased paw volume slightly but significantly only at 1 h after the carrageenan injection. IND reduced paw volume slightly at 1 and 3 mg/kg, and markedly at 10 mg/kg (p.o.). A combination of L-NAME and IND at a subthreshold dose (3 mg/kg, i.p. and 1 mg/kg, p.o., respectively) caused a marked reduction of paw edema, which was also confirmed by histopathological examinations. A combination of N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine (1400W, CAS 180001-34-7), a selective inhibitor of inducible NOS, and IND at 3 mg/kg, i.p., and 1 mg/kg, p.o., respectively, did not show synergistic anti-inflammatory effects. In conclusion, the combination of non-selective NOS and COX inhibitors had synergistic anti-inflammatory effects on carrageenan-induced paw edema at an early stage, suggesting negative crosstalk between the endogenous NOS-NO and COX-PG pathways in the early stages of acute inflammation.

Circulatory consequences of reduced endogenous nitric oxide production during small-volume resuscitation

Hypertonic small-volume resuscitation transiently restores the cardiovascular function during various circulatory disturbances. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of flow-induced peripheral and central hemodynamic changes, and therefore, we hypothesized that a decreased endogenous NO production could influence the consequences and the effectiveness of hypertonic fluid therapy. The main goal of this study was to outline and compare the circulatory effects small volume hypertonic saline-dextran (HSD, 7.5% NaCl-10% dextran; 4 ml/kg iv) infusion with (n=7) or without (n=7) artificially diminished NO production in normovolemic anesthetized dogs. HSD administration significantly increased cardiac index (CI), coronary flow (CF) and myocardial contractility, and elevated plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels. However, the late (2 h) postinfusion period was characterized by significantly decreased myocardial NO synthase (NOS) and enhanced myeloperoxidase activities. Pre-treatment with the non-selective NOS inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine (NNA, 4 mg/kg) immediately increased cardiac contractility, and the HSD-induced CI and CF elevations and the positive inotropy were absent. Additionally, plasma ET-1 levels increased and NOx levels were significantly decreased. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that HSD infusion leads to preponderant vasoconstriction when endogenous NO synthesis is diminished, and this could explain the loss of effectiveness of HSD resuscitation in NO-deficient states.

Caveolin‐1 regulates nitric oxide‐mediated matrix metalloproteinases activity and blood–brain barrier permeability in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury

The roles of caveolin-1 (cav-1) in regulating blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability are unclear yet. We previously reported that cav-1 was down-regulated and the production of nitric oxide (NO) induced the loss of cav-1 in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. The present study aims to address whether the loss of cav-1 impacts on BBB permeability and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. We found that focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion down-regulated the expression of cav-1 in isolated cortex microvessels, hippocampus, and cortex of ischemic brain. The down-regulation of cav-1 was correlated with the increased MMP-2 and -9 activities, decreased tight junction (TJ) protein zonula occludens (ZO)-1 expression and enhanced BBB permeability. Treatment of N(G) -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME, a non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor] reserved the expression of cav-1, inhibited MMPs activity, and reduced BBB permeability. To elucidate the roles of cav-1 in regulating MMPs and BBB permeability, we used two approaches including cav-1 knockdown in cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) in vitro and cav-1 knockout (KO) mice in vivo. Cav-1 knockdown remarkably increased MMPs activity in BMECs. Meanwhile, with focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, cav-1 deficiency mice displayed higher MMPs activities and BBB permeability than wild-type mice. Interestingly, the effects of L-NAME on MMPs activity and BBB permeability was partly reversed in cav-1 deficiency mice. These results, when taken together, suggest that cav-1 plays important roles in regulating MMPs activity and BBB permeability in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. The effects of L-NAME on MMPs activity and BBB permeability are partly mediated by preservation of cav-1.

Aliskiren reduces portal pressure in portal hypertensive rats

Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor used in the treatment for arterial hypertension. It can also augment nitric oxide (NO) production, which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and modulation of porto-systemic collaterals. This study investigated the effects of aliskiren on portal pressure and porto-systemic collaterals of portal vein-ligated (PVL) rats. Sham-operated and PVL rats received aliskiren (50 mg/kg per day) or distilled water (control) treatment for 10 days. The mean arterial pressure and portal pressure were measured by catheterization of the right femoral artery and mesenteric vein, while the superior mesenteric arterial blood flow was measured by Doppler technique. The left adrenal vein and superior mesentery artery were dissected for mRNA study. The PVL rats also underwent preincubation with (i) Krebs solution (control); (ii) 10(-4) M aliskiren; or (iii) 10(-4) M aliskiren plus nonselective NO inhibitor N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine (10(-4) M), followed by the addition of arginine vasopressin (AVP) to evaluate the collateral vascular responsiveness. Aliskiren had systemic arterial pressure- and portal pressure-lowering effects in PVL rats. Superior mesentery arterial resistance also decreased. The constitutive NO synthase was enhanced in the left adrenal vein and superior mesentery artery after aliskiren treatment. Aliskiren attenuated the collateral vasoconstrictive effects of AVP, but the vasodilatory effects were abolished after nonselective NO synthase inhibition. Chronic aliskiren use reduces portal pressure in portal hypertensive rats partly due to the modulation of splanchnic and collateral NO synthase.

Tyrosine Nitration of Prostacyclin Synthase Is Associated with Enhanced Retinal Cell Apoptosis in Diabetes

The risk of diabetic retinopathy is associated with the presence of both oxidative stress and toxic eicosanoids. Whether oxidative stress actually causes diabetic retinopathy via the generation of toxic eicosanoids, however, remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine whether tyrosine nitration of prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) contributes to retinal cell death in vitro and in vivo. Exposure of human retinal pericytes to heavily oxidized and glycated LDL (HOG-LDL), but not native forms of LDL (N-LDL), for 24 hours significantly increased pericyte apoptosis, accompanied by increased tyrosine nitration of PGIS and decreased PGIS activity. Inhibition of the thromboxane receptor or cyclooxygenase-2 dramatically attenuated HOG-LDL-induced apoptosis without restoring PGIS activity. Administration of superoxide dismutase (to scavenge superoxide anions) or L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) restored PGIS activity and attenuated pericyte apoptosis. In Akita mouse retinas, diabetes increased intraretinal levels of oxidized LDL and glycated LDL, induced PGIS nitration, enhanced apoptotic cell death, and impaired blood-retinal barrier function. Chronic administration of tempol, a superoxide scavenger, reduced intraretinal oxidized LDL and glycated LDL levels, PGIS nitration, and retina cell apoptosis, thereby preserving the integrity of blood-retinal barriers. In conclusion, oxidized LDL-mediated PGIS nitration and associated thromboxane receptor stimulation might be important in the initiation and progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Kappa Opioid Receptor Localization and Coupling to Nitric Oxide Production in Cells of the Anterior Chamber

The present study was designed to determine whether kappa opioid receptors (KORs) are localized to cells of the inflow and outflow pathways of the eye and if activation of these receptors has an effect on nitric oxide (NO) production, because these effects could play a role in KOR agonist-mediated reduction of IOP. Human nonpigmented ciliary epithelial (NPCE) and trabecular meshwork (HTM-3) cells were treated with spiradoline (SPR), a selective KOR agonist, or estradiol, for 24 hours. Some cells were pretreated with the selective KOR antagonist norbinaltorphimine (norBNI) or the nonselective NO synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) for 30 minutes, followed by the addition of SPR. Immunofluorescent localization of KORs was determined in isolated rabbit iris-ciliary bodies (ICBs) and NPCE and HTM-3 cells. Immunohistochemical data show the localization of KORs to the rabbit ICB and more specifically to the ciliary epithelial layer. KORs were also found on cell membranes of NPCE and HTM-3 cells. Treatment of both these cell types with spiradoline caused concentration-dependent increases in the release of NO. Spiradoline-induced release of NO from both cell types was inhibited by pretreatment with norBNI and L-NAME. Results from this study show the presence of KORs on rabbit ICBs and also on NPCE and HTM cells. Activation of these KORs on both cell types resulted in KOR-mediated increases in NO production. These findings provide evidence that previously demonstrated KOR-mediated reduction in IOP could be caused, in part, by NO production in both the ciliary body and the trabecular meshwork.

The effect of nitric oxide on the pressure of the acutely obstructed ureter

Acute ureteral obstruction leads to changes in pressure inside the ureter, interrupting ureter function. The aim of our study is to explore the relationship between nitric oxide (NO) concentration and pressure in the ureter and to observe the effects of nitric oxide on the revival of renal function. We created the animal models by embedding balloons in the lower ureters of anesthetized dogs and expanding them to simulate acute ureteral obstruction. First, the test animals were pre-treated intravenously with different doses of L-NAME (non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) to inhibit nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and 10 min later, each subject was administered an intravenous dose of isoproterenol (10 μg/kg). We measured ureter pressure (UP), total and peak concentrations of NO (using an NO monitor, model inNO-T) in ureteral urine, and the volume of the urine (UFV) leaking from the balloon edge. After a certain amount of time had elapsed, it became clear that the dose of L-NAME was inversely related to the total and peak concentrations of NO, the rate of change in UP, and the volume of urine produced. We conclude that L-NAME prevents the NOS from inhibiting the release of NO, then inhibits the effect of isoproterenol reducing the pressure of the acute obstructive ureter. Inversely, we think that NO can reduce the pressure of the acute obstructive ureter and make the obstructive ureter recanalization. And when more the concentration of nitric oxide, the more the pressure will be reduced, and more urine will be collected.