L-arginine is the physiological precursor for the formation of nitric oxide in endothelium-dependent relaxation

Protamine induces endothelium-dependent vasodilatation of the pulmonary artery

BACKGROUND

Protamine sulfate, which is used for heparin neutralization, has been reported to induce catastrophic pulmonary vasoconstriction after infusion. However, in the systemic circulation, protamine infusion induces hypotension due to peripheral vasodilation.

METHODS

To determine whether protamine also could induce vasodilation in the pulmonary circulation, third-order canine pulmonary artery segments were studied in vitro in organ chambers.

RESULTS

In pulmonary artery segments that were caused to contract with phenylephrine (10(-5) mol/L), protamine sulfate (40 to 400 micrograms/mL, final organ bath concentration) produced concentration-dependent relaxation in canine pulmonary artery segments with endothelium (to 74% +/- 7% of the initial contraction to phenylephrine) that was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than in segments without endothelium (30% +/- 6% of the initial phenylephrine contraction). Pretreatment of arterial segments with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (10(-5) mol/L), the competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis from L-arginine, did not change tension of arterial segments, but NG-monomethyl-L-arginine attenuated the relaxation to protamine. The inhibitory effect of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine could be reversed by the addition of L-arginine (10(-4) mol/L) but not D-arginine (10(-4) mol/L). Endothelium-dependent vasodilation to protamine (40 to 400 micrograms/mL) also could be inhibited by heparin (8 U/mL, final organ bath concentration). However, the inhibitory effect of heparin could be overcome by adding higher concentrations of protamine.

CONCLUSIONS

Protamine-mediated pulmonary vasodilatation could be an important mechanism to protect against the constrictive effects of autocoids generated during heparin neutralization. Such a mechanism might be dysfunctional in certain persons and put them at risk for pulmonary vasoconstriction after protamine infusion.

Involvement of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the inflammatory process of myocardial infarction

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which catalyzes the reaction of L-arginine to L-citrulline and nitric oxide (NO), plays an important role in immune-mediated cardiac disorders. The present report summarizes and discusses findings on the induction of NOS in myocardial infarction of rabbits. iNOS was significantly increased in infarcted myocardium 48 h after coronary artery ligation. The effect persisted for 14 days and declined thereafter. Immunohistochemical localization revealed macrophages as a major source of iNOS expression; iNOS expression was also present in infarcted human myocardium. Increased iNOS activity appeared to be related to the induction of apoptosis in infiltrating macrophages and cardiomyocytes. Moreover, preferential inhibition of iNOS by S-methylisothiourea sulfate (SMT) resulted in significant improvement of left ventricular performance and increased regional myocardial blood flow. These findings suggest that selective inhibition of iNOS activity may provide a therapeutic strategy in cardiac disorders such as myocardial infarction.

Agmatine: a novel endogenous vasodilator substance

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of agmatine, an endogenous clonidine-displacing substance (CDS), on systemic hemodynamics in the anesthetized rat. Bolus intravenous (i.v.) injections of agmatine decreased systemic arterial pressure (SAP) and systemic vascular resistance in a dose-dependent manner. The development of acute tachyphylaxis to the systemic vasodepressor response to agmatine did not induce cross-tachyphylaxis to the systemic vasodepressor responses to bradykinin, isoproterenol and nitroglycerin. The present data demonstrate agmatine, as a CDS and agonist for imidazoline (I) receptors, possesses marked systemic vasodilator activity in the rat. The present data suggest that activation of I receptors may represent a novel mechanism of vasodilation in vivo.

Arginine enhances glycogen synthesis in response to insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The present study was undertaken to define the role of L-arginine (L-Arg) in glucose metabolism in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes in culture. L-Arg alone had no effect on 2-deoxyglucose uptake or basal glycogen synthesis, but this amino acid increased by 153 +/- 10% (P < 0.01) the incorporation of glucose into glycogen in insulin-treated cells. L-Glutamate (L-Glu), a major metabolite of L-Arg, also enhanced insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis. The response to insulin was not altered by L-lysine (L-Lys), but the effect of L-Arg was markedly attenuated by L-Lys. Cell incubation with L-Arg markedly enhanced arginase-mediated urea synthesis, whereas L-Lys abolished this response. The stimulatory effect of L-Arg on insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis did not appear to be accounted for by the generation of polyamines or the production of nitric oxide, both potentially derived from the enzymatic conversion of L-Arg. In the presence of insulin, cellular ATP levels were significantly increased by L-Arg, L-Glu, and L-Lys as well. These data suggest that metabolic degradation of L-Arg not related to citric acid cycle activity is important in the mechanism by which L-Arg enhances insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis.

The role of nitric oxide and NO-donor agents in myocardial protection from surgical ischemic-reperfusion injury

The coronary vascular endothelium is injured by ischemia-reperfusion, which may facilitate the pathophysiological role played by neutrophils. Hearts undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery or other surgical procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass and elective cardioplegia undergo repetitive episodes of ischemia and reperfusion, which leads to endothelial injury as well as contractile dysfunction and morphological injury, despite the use of cardioprotective cardioplegic solutions and other strategies of myocardial protection. In cardiac surgery, as in coronary occlusion, endothelial injury seems to occur upon reperfusion with unmodified blood. Blood cardioplegia does not prevent this surgical 'reperfusion injury', but does prevent extension of endothelial injury during the period of hypothermic cardioplegic arrest ('protected ischemia'). It is not known whether global cardioplegic ischemia in preoperatively injured hearts impairs the basal release of nitric oxide (NO) and hence obtunds this endogenous protective mechanism. However, enhancement of blood cardioplegia with the NO precursor, L-arginine, reduces postsurgical myocardial injury, suggesting that endogenous or basal release of NO participates in the modulation of ischemic-reperfusion injury. In addition, an NO-donor agent also protects the myocardium from surgical ischemic-reperfusion injury. Both cardioprotective strategies involve inhibition of neutrophil accumulation, consistent with the known inhibitory effects of NO on neutrophil adherence and neutrophil-mediated damage to the coronary endothelium. Therefore, NO-related therapy offers a new strategy to protect the myocardium, including the coronary endothelium, from surgically imposed ischemic-reperfusion injury.

Additive effects of L-arginine infusion and leukocyte depletion on recovery after hypothermic ischemia in neonatal lamb hearts

Prior experiments on hypothermic ischemia/reperfusion have shown that (1) leukocytes have an important role in the injury resulting from hypothermic ischemia/reperfusion and (2) endothelial dysfunction with reduced release of nitric oxide occurs after hypothermic ischemia/reperfusion. L-Arginine is a nitric oxide precursor, and the effects of nitric oxide released from endothelial cells include vasorelaxation and inhibition of leukocyte adhesion to endothelium. The potential roles of an interaction between endothelial dysfunction and leukocyte-mediated injury were examined in neonatal hearts. Thirty-two isolated, blood-perfused neonatal lamb hearts were subjected to 2 hours of 10 degrees C cardioplegic ischemia. Group L-arginine received a 3 mmol/L dose of L-arginine during the first 20 minutes of reperfusion. In group leukocyte depletion, leukocytes were depleted (Sepacell filter) from the perfusate before reperfusion. In group L-arginine+leukocyte depletion, leukocytes were depleted and a 3 mmol/L dose of L-arginine was infused during early reperfusion. The control group had no intervention during reperfusion. At 30 minutes of reperfusion, left ventricular maximum developed pressure, positive maximum and negative maximum first derivative of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt), developed pressure at V10 (volume that produces a left ventricular endiastolic pressure of 10 mm Hg at baseline measurement), and dP/dt at V10 were measured. Coronary blood flow was continuously monitored and oxygen consumption was also measured to evaluate the metabolic recovery. In each heart, we also tested coronary vascular resistance response to the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine 10(-7) mol/L and the endothelium-independent vasodilator trinitroglycerin 3 x 10(-5) mol/L to assess endothelial function. Results are given as mean percent recovery of baseline values +/- standard deviation. Group L-arginine+leukocyte depletion showed significantly greater recovery of left ventricular function than the other three groups, and groups L-arginine and leukocyte depletion also showed better recovery than the control group (positive maximum dP/dt: control group = 68.3% +/- 8.8%, group L-arginine = 88.8% +/- 3.8%, group L-arginine+leukocyte+leukocyte depletion = 100.6% +/- 8.7%, group leukocyte depletion = 79.3% +/- 8.1%; p < 0.05). Groups L-arginine and L-arginine+leukocyte depletion had higher postischemic coronary blood flow than other groups (control group = 133.0% +/- 31.6%, group L-arginine = 203.2% +/- 32.1%, group L-arginine+leukocyte depletion = 222.0% +/- 30.4%, group leukocyte depletion = 156.3% +/- 29.0%; p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Excess EDRF/NO, a potentially deleterious condition that may be involved in accelerated atherogenesis and other chronic disease states

1. To date, no method exists for preventing the injury-induced, accelerated atherogenesis that can occur as a "late complication" after initially successful invasive cardiovascular therapy (e.g. coronary angioplasty, endarterectomy). The problems intrinsic to some of the therapeutic approaches that are presently being developed have been analyzed, and the need for an alternative approach is evident. 2. An hypothesis is advanced, providing a novel conceptual basis for developing preventive therapy for accelerated atherogenesis, as well as for other chronic (degenerative) disease states, using agents that selectively inhibit the actions and metabolic transformations of excessive amounts of endogenously-derived and/or exogenously-acquired nitric oxide (NO). 3. It is considered that excess NO can damage tissue by enhancing the formation of hydroxyl radicals (OH.) via the peroxynitrite pathway and alpha-hydroxynitrosamines via nitrosation processes, and that it can stimulate cell proliferation by activating guanyl cyclase. These actions would facilitate the process of accelerated atherogenesis. 4. Selectivity for opposing the effects and metabolic handling of excess NO, regardless of its origin (endogenous via the action of constitutive or inducible NO synthase, or exogenous), rather than selectivity for inhibiting the activity of inducible versus constitutive NO synthase, is considered to be the key element required of candidate therapeutic agents. 5. The vitamin C derivative, 2-O-octadecylascorbic acid, which could protect that part of the NO mechanism that is essential for normal function by scavenging superoxide anion-radicals (O2-., while preventing the formation of OH. and potentially toxic nitrosamines via metabolic reactions involving excess NO, represents a model compound for developing effective therapy.

Renal actions of endothelin-1 and endothelin-3: interactions with the prostaglandin system and nitric oxide

Endothelins (ET) possess both vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive properties. The renal actions of ET-1 and ET-3, as well as in vivo interactions of these two isopeptides with the prostaglandin and endothelium-derived relaxation factor/nitric oxide systems were studied in anesthetized dogs. The ETs were infused intrarenally at doses not affecting systemic hemodynamics. Both ET-1 and ET-3 induced an early transient renal vasodilation, followed by a prolonged vasoconstriction. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine completely abolished the renal vasodilation induced by either ET-1 or ET-3 and enhanced the vasoconstriction. Endothelin-1 was associated with an increase in the renal release of prostacyclin, while urinary thromboxane A2 was increased after ET-3 administration. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (with indomethacin) augmented the renal vasoconstriction induced by ET-1, but inhibition of cyclooxygenase (with meclofenamate) abolished the ET-3-evoked vasoconstriction. Endothelin-1 showed little effects on urinary water and sodium excretion; however, ET-3 displayed significant diuretic and natriuretic effects, which were inhibited by nitric oxide synthase inhibition. These findings suggest that these two isopeptides activate the endothelial endothelium-derived relaxation factor/nitric oxide system, which elicits early renal vasodilation, whereas direct effects on the vascular smooth muscle leads to vasoconstriction. Endothelin-3 causes diuresis and natriuresis, possibly by inducing release of nitric oxide in medullary collecting duct cells.

Nitric oxide in inflammation and immune response

This short review deals with the role of a recently found signalling molecule, nitric oxide (NO), in inflammatory and immune responses. NO regulates inflammatory erythema and oedema and has cytotoxic action against micro-organisms. In some instances (such as reperfusion injury) NO has cytoprotective properties. Production of large amounts of NO by activated macrophages accounts for their ability to suppress lymphocyte proliferation. NO synthesis in lymphocytes is questionable but cytokines secreted by activated lymphocytes regulate NO synthesis by macrophages. Constitutive NO synthase is activated in neutrophils in response to inflammatory stimuli and NO has diverse, often biphasic effects on neutrophil functions. Increased concentrations of nitrite and nitrate (metabolites of NO) are present in arthritic joints. NO is synthesized not only by migrated inflammatory cells but also by articular chondrocytes and inflamed synovial membrane. In the inflamed joint, NO regulates the synthesis of several inflammatory mediators and functions of inflammatory cells. In addition, NO seems to mediate some destructive effects of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1. In conclusion, NO regulates several humoral and cellular responses in inflammation, having both anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory properties depending on the type and phase of the inflammatory reaction.

Attenuation of acetylcholine-induced vasoconstriction by L-arginine is related to the progression of atherosclerosis

To determine if L-arginine, a precursor of the endothelium-derived relaxing factor, restores endothelium-dependent dilation in human coronary arteries, we studied 21 patients in whom the lumina of the coronary arteries were angiographically smooth or slightly irregular and in whom there was a constrictor response to acetylcholine (ACh) in the left anterior descending coronary artery or the circumflex coronary artery. We examined the response to intracoronary ACh before and after infusion of L-arginine by measuring coronary diameter with quantitative angiography. Intracoronary injection of ACh produced vasoconstriction in the majority of patients with coronary risk factors. The percentage diameter change in smooth segments in patients with entirely smooth coronary arteries (group 1, n = 44) from baseline was -20.7% +/- 17.4%. During systemic infusion of L-arginine, the constrictor response to ACh in these segments was significantly attenuated (-2.2% +/- 15.1% from baseline, p < 0.01, ACh alone vs ACh during L-arginine infusion). In smooth segments in patients with luminal irregularities in the other coronary arteries (group 2, n = 19), ACh produced a marked constriction (-32.5% +/- 22.5% from baseline, p < 0.05, group 1 vs group 2). Infusion of L-arginine also attenuated ACh-induced vasoconstriction in these segments (-9.7% +/- 14.1% from baseline, p < 0.01, ACh vs ACh during L-arginine infusion). In segments with irregular lumina (group 3, n = 26), ACh produced more prominent vasoconstriction. The percentage diameter change was -40.9% +/- 26.5% from baseline (p < 0.01 vs group 1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of methylguanidine on rat blood pressure: role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

1. The effect of acute i.v. administration of methylguanidine (MG) on mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was investigated in anaesthetized male Wistar rats. 2. MG (1-30 mg kg-1 i.v.) produced an increase in MABP in a dose-dependent manner both in normal and in hexamethonium (5 mg kg-1, i.v)-treated rats. 3. L-Arginine (30 or 150 mg kg-1, i.v.), but not its enantiomer D-arginine (30 or 150 mg kg-1, i.v.), reversed the effect of MG on MABP in both normal and hexamethonium-treated rats. 4. L-Arginine (150 mg kg-1, i.v.) administered 2 min before MG (30 mg kg-1, i.v.) prevented the increase in MABP caused by MG in either normal or hexamethonium-treated rats. This effect was not observed with D-arginine (150 mg kg-1, i.v.). 5. Thus, the rise in MABP caused by MG in the anaesthetized rat is due to inhibition of endothelial NO-synthase activity. We speculate that the rise in the plasma concentration of endogenous MG associated with uraemia may contribute to the hypertension seen in patients with chronic renal failure.

Dietary sodium intake modulates vasodilation mediated by nitroprusside but not by methacholine in the human forearm

Studies in animals suggest that nitric oxide production is increased under conditions of salt loading and that this increase protects against the development of salt-induced hypertension. To determine the effect of dietary sodium intake on nitric oxide-mediated vascular responses, we studied seven healthy male volunteers twice 4 weeks apart while they were receiving a diet containing 10 or 250 mmol Na+ per 24 hours. Methacholine (0.25 to 8 micrograms/min) and sodium nitroprusside (0.25 to 8 micrograms/min) were infused intra-arterially in incremental doses, and forearm blood flow was measured. The response of forearm blood flow to sodium nitroprusside was greater when subjects received a high sodium diet than when they received a low sodium diet (F = 7.11, P < .05); however, the response to methacholine was not altered by sodium intake (F = 0.57, P = NS). Plasma renin activity was significantly higher (3.99 versus 1.0 ng angiotensin I/mL per hour) when subjects received a low salt diet (P < .05). Systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, heart rate, and baseline forearm blood flow were not affected by sodium status. We conclude that under conditions of salt loading, vasodilation in response to sodium nitroprusside was enhanced, whereas the response to methacholine was not affected, suggesting a differential effect of sodium intake on endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent responses after the administration of methacholine and sodium nitroprusside, respectively.

Simultaneous generation of nitric oxide and superoxide by inflammatory cells in rats

It has recently been shown that peroxynitrite anion is a powerful oxidant than can initiate lipid peroxidation. As this oxidant is the product of the reaction between nitric oxide and superoxide, we have studied whether cells isolated from an inflammatory exudate can release both radicals simultaneously under physiological conditions. The carrageenin-induced granuloma model in rats was used. Cells from the inflammatory pouch were stimulated with opsonized zymosan in the absence or in the presence of exogenous L-arginine. Nitric oxide production without exogenous L-arginine was detectable after 15 min (0.29 nmol NO2-) and increased with time (1.65 nmol NO2- at 4 h). When nitrite released from cells was expressed as a rate a burst was shown in the first few minutes. Between 0 and 15 min, cells produced NO2- at the following rates: 20 pmol NO2-/1 x 10(6) cells/min without exogenous L-arginine and 83 pmol NO2-/1 x 10(6) cells/min with exogenous L-arginine. Production was further stimulated with opsonized zymosan (92 pmol NO2-/1 x 10(6) cells/min), and inhibited by L-NMMA and L-NIO. The production of superoxide increased for up to 2 h and then stabilized. A significant increase in nitrite was observed in the presence of SOD, whereas L-NIO increased superoxide generation. These results suggest that peroxynitrite anion may be formed by inflammatory cells.

Barium and strontium can substitute for calcium in stimulating nitric oxide production in the endothelium of canine coronary arteries

We investigated whether Ba2+ and Sr2+ can substitute for Ca2+ in stimulating the nitric oxide (NO) production and cause relaxation in vascular smooth muscle. Ba2+ and Sr2+, like Ca2+, relaxed K(+)-depolarized canine coronary arteries in the presence of diltiazem. The Ba(2+)- and Sr(2+)-induced relaxation was endothelium-dependent and was largely inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), but not by indomethacin. These cations increased cyclic GMP levels in the coronary artery to a similar extent, and the increment was completely abolished by L-NMMA. The relaxation induced by each cation was attenuated in the presence of a combination of propranolol, phentolamine and atropine, and L-NNA markedly inhibited any remaining relaxation. This indicates that these cations produce endothelium-dependent relaxation through NO production as well as the relaxation mediated by neurotransmitters. The present study suggests that Ba2+ and Sr2+ can substitute for Ca2+ in the activation of the NO synthase pathway in the endothelium of canine coronary arteries.

Inhibition of rat colon contractility by prostacyclin (IP-) receptor agonists: involvement of NANC neurotransmission

1. The possibility that prostacyclin (IP-) receptor agonists inhibit spontaneous contractions of the rat isolated colon by activating enteric neurones has been investigated. Cicaprost was used as the test agonist because of its high stability, selectivity and potency (IC50 = 3.8 nM). 2. The Na+ channel blockers saxitoxin (STX, 1 nM) and tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 microM), whilst having little effect on resting spontaneous activity, virtually abolished the inhibitory actions of cicaprost (10 nM) and nicotine (3 microM); inhibitory responses to isoprenaline (20 nM) were not affected. Phentolamine (1 microM), propranolol (1 microM) and atropine (1 microM) had no effect on cicaprost inhibition. These data are compatible with release of inhibitory NANC transmitter(s) by cicaprost. 3. A transmitter role for nitric oxide was investigated. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM) inhibited the actions of both cicaprost (10 nM) and nicotine (3 microM) by 50-60%, but did not affect responses to isoprenaline (20 nM) or sodium nitroprusside (1-5 microM). The enantiomeric D-NAME (100 microM), which has negligible NOS inhibitory activity, had no effect on the action of cicaprost. 4. The involvement of purinergic transmitters was also investigated. Desensitization to the inhibitory action of ATP did not affect cicaprost responses. The P2x/P2y-receptor antagonist, suramin, at 300 microM blocked ATP responses, but not those due to adenosine; it did not affect cicaprost inhibition. The selective adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, DPCPX, used at a sufficiently high concentration (5 microM) to block adenosine A2-receptors, did not affect cicaprost inhibition. Apamin (25 nM), a blocker of calcium activated K+ channels on smooth muscle, abolished or markedly reduced the inhibitory actions of ATP and adenosine, and partially inhibited cicaprost and nicotine responses. The combination of L-NAME(100 microM) and apamin (25 nM) abolished cicaprost and nicotine responses.5. Investigation of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) as a potential transmitter showed that its inhibitory action on the colon (IC50 = 50 nM) was partially inhibited by TTX (1 microM). alpha-Chymotrypsin abolished the effect of VIP but had no effect on cicaprost inhibition. Attempts to inhibit VIP responses using peptide antagonists and by agonist desensitization were unsuccessful.6. KCI (40 mM) contracted the colon and abolished spontaneous activity. Under these conditions,isoprenaline, sodium nitroprusside and ATP induced relaxation, whereas cicaprost (10-3 10 nM) had no effect. Cicaprost inhibited both the tone and the spontaneous activity induced by the EP1/EP3-receptor agonist, sulprostone (8.6 nM) but not when either TTX (1 microM) or KC1 (40 mM) was also present. On KCl-treated preparations, the prostacyclin analogue, iloprost (10-500 nM), induced contraction,presumably due to activation of EP-receptors.7. It is concluded that IP-receptor agonists inhibit the contractility of rat colon by stimulating the release of at least two transmitters from NANC enteric neurones. Nitric oxide appears to be one of the transmitters. The second transmitter mechanism is apamin-sensitive; the experimental results do not support ATP, adenosine or VIP as transmitter candidates. However, further studies using more potent and selective receptor antagonists are required.

Enhancement effect of carteolol on the clonidine-induced vasodilation of rat mesenteric arteries

It has demonstrated that carteolol can increase the endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. In order to evaluate the effect of carteolol, and to clarify the mechanism, we examined the effects of 10 microM carteolol on the vasodilation induced by increasing doses (10(-7)-10(-4) M) of clonidine in perfused rat mesenteric arteries preconstricted with 100 microM phenylephrine. Clonidine elicited a dose-dependent vasodilation of the mesenteric arteries preconstricted with phenylephrine. Carteolol enhanced the vasodilation induced by higher doses (10(-5) and 10(-4) M) of clonidine, although carteolol itself exerted no direct vasodilating effect. On the other hand, 10 microM propranolol or 10 microM metoprolol did not augment the clonidine-induced vasodilation. In the presence of 100 microM NG-monomethyl L-arginine (LNMMA), an analogue of L-arginine, the enhancement of the clonidine-induced vasodilation by carteolol was abolished. This inhibition by LNMMA was restored with 300 microM L-arginine, but not with 300 microM D-arginine. These results suggest that carteolol enhances the clonidine-induced vasodilation by an endothelial-related mechanism mediated by the release of endothelium-derived nitric oxide in resistance vessels.

Modulation of striatal dopamine release in cerebral ischemia by L-arginine

The effect of L-arginine, the precursor of nitric oxide, on ischemic dopamine release from the striatum was investigated in Mongolian gerbils subjected to bilateral carotid artery occlusion (15 min) alone or with reflow (2 h). Dopamine and its metabolites were measured in the striatal extracellular space dialysate after continuous perfusion (2 microliters/min) of artificial extracellular fluid in the presence or absence of 15 mmol/liter L- or D-arginine or 1 mmol/liter nitro-L-arginine. L-Arginine but not D-arginine increased the striatal content of dopamine in pre- and postischemia whereas it lowered the levels of dopamine and 3-methoxytyramine induced by ischemia. In contrast, nitro-L-arginine reduced the preischemic levels of dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-acetic acid, and had no effect on the ischemic release of dopamine. These findings indicate that L-arginine stereospecifically modified the ischemic release and metabolism of dopamine. The data also suggest that the basal level of nitric oxide is not involved in dopamine release during ischemia but may participate in regulating dopamine release under physiological conditions.

Isotopic evidence for the differential regulation of arginine and proline synthesis in man

Arginine and proline derive from the metabolism of delta 1-pyrolline-5-carboxylate, a product of intestinal glutamic acid metabolism. We studied the extent of glutamate, arginine, and proline synthesis in four adult fed and fasted women. The subjects ingested a single dose of a mixture of uniformly (U)-13C-labeled amino acids and carbohydrate of algal origin. Frequent blood samples were taken for 24 hours. All the mass isotopomers of plasma lysine, glutamate + glutamine (GLX), arginine, and proline were measured using negative chemical ionization, selected-ion monitoring gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In this isotopic approach, the appearance of U-13C-amino acid in the plasma reflects entry of the dietary amino acids, and the appearance of 13C in lower mass isotopomers demonstrates synthesis of the respective amino acids by the subject. All the mass isotopomers (including [M + 4]) of GLX became enriched with 13C. We suggest that the [M + 4] isotopomer of GLX reflects synthesis of the amino acid from alpha-ketoglutarate derived from the metabolism of U-13C-carbohydrate by the bacterial flora. Arginine labeling showed two patterns. The [M + 5] isotopomer of plasma arginine was labeled as rapidly as [M + 6] (ie, tracer) arginine, and we propose that the appearance of the [M + 5] isotopomer reflects the synthesis of citrulline from dietary [M + 5]-glutamate in first pass. The [M + 1] to [M + 3] isotopomers of arginine were also labeled for a prolonged period of time, suggesting that systemic glutamate was also a precursor for arginine synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide plays a larger role in pulmonary veins than in arteries of newborn lambs

In perinatal lungs, veins contribute substantially to total pulmonary vascular resistance. The present study was designed to determine the role of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) in modulating the responsiveness of pulmonary veins and arteries in newborn lambs. Fourth-order pulmonary arterial and venous rings of newborn lambs were suspended in organ chambers filled with modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution (95% O2/5% CO2, 37 degrees C), and their isometric force was measured. Nitro-L-arginine had no effect on the resting tension of pulmonary arteries but caused an endothelium-dependent contraction of pulmonary veins. During contraction to endothelin-1 or U46619, acetylcholine, bradykinin, and calcium ionophore A23187 induced larger endothelium-dependent relaxation in pulmonary veins than in arteries. The endothelium-dependent relaxation of pulmonary vessels was abolished by nitro-L-arginine. In vessels without endothelium, nitric oxide induced significantly greater relaxation in pulmonary veins than in arteries. All vessels relaxed similarly to 8-bromo-cGMP. Radioimmunoassay showed that the basal level of intracellular cGMP of pulmonary veins with endothelium was higher than that of arteries with endothelium. Acetylcholine, bradykinin, and calcium ionophore A23187 induced a significantly larger endothelium-dependent increase in the intracellular content of cGMP in pulmonary veins than in arteries. In vessels without endothelium, nitric oxide induced a larger increase in cGMP content in pulmonary veins than in arteries. The present study suggests that EDNO may play a larger role in modulation of pulmonary venous than arterial reactivity, which may be mainly due to a difference in the activity of soluble guanylate cyclase in vascular smooth muscle.

Evidence of an adenosine-dependent mechanism in the hypotensive effect of L-arginine in man

1. The hypothesis that endogenous adenosine could play a role in the haemodynamic response to L-arginine is investigated. 2. The study has been divided into two parts. The first part was a single blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in which L-arginine i.v. infusion (0.07 mmol/kg per min) in five healthy volunteers caused a significant fall in systolic (-14.2%, from 129.0 +/- 8.2 to 110.6 +/- 8.5 mmHg; F = 62.89, P < 0.01), diastolic (-16%, from 80.0 +/- 7.9 to 67.2 +/- 7.0 mmHg; F = 18.97, P < 0.01) and mean (-15.5%, from 96.4 +/- 6.7 to 81.4 +/- 6.5 mmHg; F = 28.78, P < 0.01) arterial blood pressure, with a concomitant increase of plasma adenosine concentration (from 244.0 +/- 32.2 to 637.0 +/- 43.4 nmol/L; F = 79.3 P < 0.01). Maximal effects were obtained at the end of L-arginine infusion: haemodynamic parameters returned to basal values in about 30 min while adenosine concentrations normalized in about 15 min. Saline infusion had no effect on these parameters. 3. In the second study the effect of L-arginine i.v. infusion on arterial blood pressure, lower limb blood flow and plasma adenosine, before and after theophylline treatment (1000 mg/day for 3 days, p.o.) was examined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of the EP receptor subtypes mediating relaxation of the rabbit jugular and pig saphenous veins

A fourth PGE receptor subtype, the EP4 receptor, has recently been described in the pig saphenous vein (PSV). Similar to the EP2 receptor, it mediates relaxation and is linked to stimulation of adenylate cyclase. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the EP receptor present in the rabbit jugular vein (RJV), currently classified as an atypical EP2 receptor, is of the EP4 subtype. The relaxant activities of four EP2 agonists, 11-deoxy PGE1, 16,16-dimethyl PGE2, butaprost, and AH 13205, on the RJV and PSV have been examined, and the effect of the EP4 receptor antagonist AH 23,848B studied. The EP2 agonists showed a similar order of potency on the two preparations. 11-Deoxy PGE1 and 16,16-dimethyl PGE2 were potent agonists on the EP4 receptors of the PSV and on the RJV giving approximately equi-effective concentration ratios (EECs) of 2.0-6.6 and 2.8-9.9, respectively, compared to PGE2 (EEC = 1), and so do not discriminate between EP2 and EP4 receptors. Butaprost was less active on these preparations (EEC 42-43) than on classical EP2 receptors, and AH 13205 was much less active (EEC 3100-2780). While these results suggest that the EP receptors on the RJV are of the EP4 subtype, this was not confirmed using the EP4 receptors antagonist AH 23,848B.

The role of carbon monoxide in lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence of rat alveolar macrophages

We have investigated the role of carbon monoxide (CO) in lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence of alveolar macrophages from rat lungs. CO (10 nM to 1 microM) decreased chemiluminescence of alveolar macrophages in a concentration-dependent fashion. At a concentration of 1 microM, CO significantly increased intracellular cyclic GMP levels from a control value of 175 +/- 25 fmol/2 x 10(6) cells to 431 +/- 49 fmol/2 x 10(6) cells. Pretreatment of alveolar macrophages with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (100 microM) failed to inhibit CO (1 microM)-induced decreases in chemiluminescence of alveolar macrophages (3.7 +/- 0.7 cpm x 10(3) in the presence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine and 3.4 +/- 0.6 cpm x 10(3) in the absence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine) and CO (1 microM)-induced increases in intracellular cyclic GMP levels (452 +/- 65 fmol/2 x 10(6) cells in the presence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine and 419 +/- 58 fmol/2 x 10(6) cells in the absence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine). Decreases in chemiluminescence of alveolar macrophages induced by CO (1 microM) were concentration-dependently inhibited by methylene blue (from 0.1 microM to 10 microM). Dibutyryl cyclic GMP (db cyclic GMP) (1 mM) also reduced chemiluminescence of alveolar macrophages (1.5 +/- 0.3 cpm x 10(3) in the presence of db cyclic GMP and 3.6 +/- 0.6 cpm x 10(3) in the absence of db cyclic GMP). In contrast to CO and db cyclic GMP, zinc protoporphyrin-9 (10nM to microM), an inhibitor of heme oxygenase potentiated chemiluminescence of alveolar macrophages in a concentration-dependent fashion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Renal vasodilation to histamine in vitro: roles of nitric oxide, cyclo-oxygenase products and H2 receptors

The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and prostanoids in vasodilation to histamine in the preconstricted isolated perfused rat kidney. Kidneys were excised from Hypnorm/Hypnovel-anaesthetised Wistar rats and perfused at constant flow in vitro. Renal perfusion pressure was elevated similarly with methoxamine (3 microM) or modified Krebs Henseleit solution containing high KCl (30 mM) and vasodilation to histamine (10, 30 nmol) and papaverine (30, 100 nmol) was then examined before and during perfusion with the NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.3 mM) or the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10 microM). Furthermore, the vasodilator response to 30 nmol histamine was examined in the presence of the H2 receptor antagonist, ranitidine (0.1-10 microM). Vasodilation to histamine (10, 30 nmol) was found to be unaffected by L-NAME (0.3 mM) or indomethacin (10 microM), while ranitidine (0.1-10 microM) antagonised vasodilation to 30 nmol histamine with an estimated pA2 of 6.67. Vasodilation to histamine in the isolated perfused rat kidney is therefore probably independent of NO and prostanoids and mediated by H2 receptors.

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis reduces infarct size by an adenosine-dependent mechanism

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is both a potent endogenous vasodilator with potential to attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury and a mediator of tissue injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism by which prior inhibition of NO synthesis can lessen ischemia-reperfusion injury in the isolated rabbit heart.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the effects of inhibition of NO synthesis on infarct size using a model of coronary artery ligation in isolated rabbit hearts perfused at a constant flow rate of 35 mL/min. Infarct size averaged 65% of the zone at risk after 45 minutes of ischemia and 180 minutes of reperfusion. The addition of 30 mumol/L NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of NO synthesis, to the perfusate reduced the infarct-to-risk (I/R) ratio to an average of 41% (P < .05 versus control). This effect was abolished by pretreatment with 75.5 mumol/L 8-p-sulfophenyl theophylline (SPT), an adenosine receptor antagonist (I/R ratio, 63%). Ischemic preconditioning (5 minutes of ischemia and 10 minutes of reperfusion) before 45 minutes of ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion reduced the I/R ratio to an average of 21%, and this was not augmented by pretreatment with L-NAME (I/R ratio, 20%). However, all protection due to preconditioning and L-NAME was lost in hearts pretreated with SPT (I/R ratio, 59%). In a separate set of experiments, adenosine concentration in the coronary perfusate and myocardial lactate concentrations were measured. Treatment with L-NAME increased the average adenosine concentration in the perfusate from 5.7 mumol/L per 100 g of heart (control) to a peak of 24.0 mumol/L per 100 g of heart; however, there was no effect on average myocardial lactate concentration (control, 4.6 mumol/g dry wt; L-NAME, 5.5 mumol/g dry wt). In contrast, after 5 minutes of global ischemia, the average adenosine concentration peaked at 139.0 mumol/L per 100 g of heart, and the average myocardial lactate concentration increased to 27.1 mumol/g dry wt.

CONCLUSIONS

Infarct size limitation after inhibition of NO synthesis shares a common mechanism with that of ischemic preconditioning and is dependent on the release of adenosine. However, in this model, adenosine release after inhibition of NO synthesis is not secondary to myocardial ischemia. The protection of the heart against ischemic injury by adenosine appears to be concentration dependent.

Balloon dilatation of porcine pulmonary arteries decreases endothelium-dependent relaxations and increases vasoconstriction to aggregating platelets

BACKGROUND

Balloon dilatation of muscular coronary arteries disrupts endothelium and smooth muscle and allows platelet aggregation and adherence and cell proliferation, which can lead to restenosis. Balloon dilatation of the more distensible pulmonary artery is commonly performed, but the extent of damage to endothelium and its effect on the release of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) and prostacyclin has not been studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We dilated distal pulmonary arteries of intact ex vivo porcine lungs (n = 20; balloon-dilated [BD] group) using similar-sized adjacent vessels as controls with (E+group) and without (E- group) endothelium. Isolated rings were studied in vitro. Aggregating platelets caused constrictions of quiescent rings from the BD (27.4 +/- 8% of constriction to 80 mmol/L KCl) and E- groups (24 +/- 5%), which were inhibited by pyrilamine, a histamine blocker (11 +/- 4%; P < .05), and an intact endothelium (8 +/- 5%; P < .05). Constrictions to histamine and KCl were similar in the BD and E- groups. In rings with increased tone, platelets caused endothelium-dependent relaxations in the E+ group (70 +/- 6% relaxation), which were significantly (P < .05) inhibited in the BD group (20 +/- 7%), by L-nitro-arginine (EDNO blocker, 17 +/- 7%) and in the E- group (21 +/- 9%). Balloon dilatation markedly reduced endothelium-dependent relaxations to 5-hydroxytryptamine, thrombin, acetylcholine, and the calcium ionophore A23187, but relaxations to sodium nitroprusside were unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the distensibility of the pulmonary artery, balloon dilatation significantly damages the pulmonary endothelium, decreases EDNO production, impairs vasodilation, and favors platelet-induced vasoconstriction.

Endothelium-dependent relaxation resistant to NG-nitro-L-arginine in rat aorta

Experiments were designed to determine whether cyclic GMP-independent relaxation is involved in the endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation response of rat aortic strip to acetylcholine. The relaxation response to acetylcholine in the presence of 3 x 10(-4) M NG-nitro-L-arginine was apparent when the precontraction was induced by norepinephrine at 5 x 10(-9) M or 10(-8) M. The relaxation response to acetylcholine resistant to NG-nitro-L-arginine was abolished by 10(-6) M atropine, 10 mM tetraethylammonium, or endothelium removal, but was not inhibited by 10(-5) M indomethacin, 3 x 10(-6) M oxyhemoglobin or 10(-5) M glibenclamide. The response was virtually abolished when the vascular strips had been preconstricted with 20 mM KCl. The increase in vascular cyclic GMP levels induced by 10(-5) M acetylcholine was completely abolished by 3 x 10(-4) M NG-nitro-L-arginine. These results suggest that acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation resistant to NG-nitro-L-arginine in rat aorta is unmasked when the precontractile force is caused by lower concentrations of norepinephrine and the relaxation is mediated by a cyclic GMP-independent mechanism, possibly an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor.

Nitric oxide donors enhanced Ca2+ currents and blocked noradrenaline-induced Ca2+ current inhibition in rat sympathetic neurons

1. The effects of NO donors on Ca2+ channel currents and noradrenaline (NA)-induced Ca2+ current inhibition were investigated in superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. 2. A 500 microM concentration of the NO donors, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), enhanced Ca2+ current amplitude after either extracellular or intracellular application. The magnitude of Ca2+ current enhancement induced by NO donors was greater after intracellular application than after extracellular application. 3. Intracellular application of 1 mM guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) or 100 microM M&B 22948 (2-O-propoxyphenyl-8-azapurine-6-one), a cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, or extracellular application of 1 mM 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) also increased the amplitude of Ca2+ currents thus mimicking the effect of the NO donors on Ca2+ channels. In contrast, pretreatment with Methylene Blue (100 microM) decreased the SNP (500 microM)-induced enhancement of Ca2+ currents. 4. Intracellular application of 500 microM SNP and SNAP, 100 microM M&B 22948 or 1 mM cGMP, or extracellular application of 200 microM 8-Br-cGMP reduced the magnitude of Ca2+ current inhibition induced by 5 microM NA. In addition, 500 microM SNP prevented the NA-induced shift of tail current activation curves to more depolarized potentials. 5. Internal dialysis with 500 microM SNP and SNAP or 1 mM cGMP, or extracellular application of 200 microM 8-Br-cGMP, reduced Ca2+ current facilitation produced by a depolarizing conditioning pulse both in the absence and presence of 5 microM NA. 6. The results suggest that NO donors induce enhancement of Ca2+ currents and block NA-induced Ca2+ current inhibition of SCG neurons via stimulation of cGMP formation.

The inhibitory mechanisms of nicorandil in isolated rat urinary bladder and femoral artery

Nicorandil or cromakalim inhibited contractile responses to acetylcholine and KCl in detrusor muscles of rat urinary bladder, whereas nitroglycerin inhibited only the responses to acetylcholine. In the detrusor muscles contracted by electrical stimulations, relaxations caused by nicorandil and cromakalim were inhibited by glyburide, but not by nitroglycerin or apamin. Methylene blue slightly potentiated the nicorandil-relaxation without affecting the cromakalim-relaxation. NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine also did not affect the relaxation induced by nicorandil. The level of cGMP was increased by both nicorandil and nitroglycerin. In rat femoral arteries contracted by phenylephrine, the relaxation induced by nicorandil was inhibited by methylene blue, glyburide and apamin. The relaxation induced by cromakalim was inhibited by glyburide, but not by apamin or methylene blue. These results suggest that the effect of nicorandil is due to activation of KATP channels in rat detrusor muscles and is due to the activation of guanylate cyclase, KATP and KCa channels in rat femoral arteries. The effect of cromakalim is due to the activation of KATP channels in both smooth muscles.

Relaxation of sheep cerebral arteries by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and neurogenic stimulation: inhibition by L-NG-monomethyl arginine in endothelium-denuded vessels

1. Perivascular nerves of the sheep middle cerebral artery show immunoreactivity for both vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). 2. Rings of endothelium-denuded sheep middle cerebral artery precontracted with 5-hydroxytryptamine were relaxed by CGRP (maximum relaxation = 87.8 +/- 8.1%, pD2 = 7.81 +/- 0.12, n = 12) and by VIP (maximum relaxation = 55.1 +/- 4.1%, pD2 = 7.65 +/- 0.04, n = 18). Rings of endothelium-denuded cat middle cerebral artery precontracted with U46619 were also relaxed by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (maximum relaxation = 53.1 +/- 6.1%, pD2 = 7.82 +/- 0.11, n = 6). 3. Haemolysate (1 microliters ml-1) inhibited VIP-induced relaxation in endothelium-denuded sheep and cat middle cerebral artery (n = 6) but had no effect on the CGRP-induced relaxation of the sheep middle cerebral artery (n = 6). 4. The relaxant response to VIP in endothelium-denuded sheep middle cerebral artery was inhibited by methylene blue (10 microM) and augmented by either M&B 22948 (10 microM) or superoxide dismutase (150 units ml-1). Indomethacin (1 microM) had no effect. 5. The addition of L-NG-monomethyl arginine (100 microM) inhibited both neurogenic and VIP-induced relaxation of endothelium-denuded sheep MCA by 56 +/- 6% and 60 +/- 6% (n = 5) respectively. The CGRP-induced relaxation was unaffected. 6. It is concluded that neurally mediated vasodilatation in the sheep middle cerebral artery is mediated largely by VIP through a direct action on smooth muscle through a cyclic-GMP-mediated mechanism that appears to involve synthesis of nitric oxide from L-arginine. Vasodilatation by CGRP, which is also contained in perivascular nerves, does not utilize this pathway.

Influence of the vascular endothelium on angiotensin II-induced contractions in rabbit renal artery

The influence of vascular endothelium on angiotensin II-induced contraction and the underlying mechanisms in the rabbit renal artery were investigated. In endothelium-intact preparations, angiotensin II (3-100 nM) caused a concentration-dependent increase in tension by maximally (Emax) 0.74 +/- 0.05 g. Removal of the endothelium significantly enhanced the angiotensin II-induced contractions (Emax: 3.91 +/- 0.19 g). Indomethacin (10 microM) did not influence the angiotensin II-induced contractions. Methylene blue (10 microM) and NG-methyl-l-arginine (L-NMMA, 5 microM) significantly enhanced angiotensin II-induced contractions by 418 +/- 29% and 200 +/- 14%, respectively, in endothelium intact preparations, but not in those devoid of endothelium. L-arginine (1 mM), but not D-arginine, reversed the L-NMMA-induced enhancement of the angiotensin II-induced contraction. The present results suggest that angiotensin II-induced contractions in rabbit renal artery are largely subject to the influence of the endothelium. The endothelium-derived relaxant factor (EDRF), rather than cyclo-oxygenase products, appears to be involved in mediating the inhibitory effects of the endothelium. Nitric oxide (NO) derived from endothelium may play a major role in inhibiting angiotensin II-induced contractions in this preparation.

Nitric oxide mediates intestinal hyperaemic responses to intraluminal bile-oleate

It has long been recognized that intestinal blood flow increases at mealtimes. Mesenteric hyperaemia is also evoked by activation of sensory peptidergic nerves. Our studies explored the possible role of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in the rat intestinal vasodilator response to luminal instillation of an oleic acid plus bile mixture before and after acute intrajejunal instillation of capsaicin and after chronic pretreatment with capsaicin. In anaesthetized rats we measured jejunal blood flow (BF) with an ultrasonic Doppler flowmeter and systemic arterial pressure (AP) with a pressure transducer. Intestinal perfusion with 80 mM oleic acid in bile increased BF by 98 +/- 12%. Instillation of 4 mg of capsaicin into the jejunal lumen initially increased BF by 42 +/- 9% but was followed by vasoconstriction. Inhibition of NO synthase with 25 mg/kg i.v. N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) decreased BF by 27 +/- 5% and increased AP by 37 +/- 11%. After treatment with L-NNA and after acute and chronic administration of capsaicin, the bile-oleate-induced maximal increases in BF above control levels were 42 +/- 7%, 65 +/- 12%, and 58 +/- 8%, respectively. The observed inhibitory effect of L-NNA on the intestinal hyperaemic response to the bile-oleate mixture was reversed by pretreatment with L-arginine (100 mg/kg i.v.). In capsaicin pretreated rats the subsequent bile-oleate-induced hyperaemia was reduced in magnitude but the inhibitory effects of L-NNA were proportionately the same as in animals not receiving capsaicin. These findings support the hypothesis that NO is involved with bile-oleate-induced mesenteric hyperaemia.

Endogenous nitric oxide modulates ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor regulates vascular tone via vasodilation. The relative contribution of endogenous nitric oxide to the pathophysiology of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal microcirculatory disturbances was investigated in anesthetized rats.

METHODS

Macroscopic and microscopic gastric mucosal damage and gastric mucosal hemodynamics including blood flow and hemoglobin oxygen saturation (ISO2) were assessed by pretreatment with a specific NO synthase inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), before and after intragastric administration of ethanol.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with L-NNA significantly increased macroscopic (7.7-fold) and microscopic damage caused by 30% ethanol. Concurrent administration of L-arginine, but not D-arginine, significantly reduced the increase in mucosal damage. Similar results were obtained with 60% ethanol. Pretreatment with L-NNA decreased both mucosal blood flow and ISO2 in the basal period and enhanced decreases in both mucosal blood flow (2.7-fold) and ISO2 (4.3-fold) induced by 30% ethanol compared with controls. Concurrent administration of L-arginine, but not D-arginine, significantly inhibited the effect of L-NNA on blood flow and ISO2 in the basal period as well as after intragastric administration of 30% ethanol.

CONCLUSIONS

Endogenous NO modulates ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury through the regulation of gastric mucosal microcirculation.

Effects of L-arginine and L-nitro-arginine methyl ester on recovery of neonatal lamb hearts after cold ischemia. Evidence for an important role of endothelial production of nitric oxide

Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion results in both ventricular and endothelial dysfunction. We have found that the endothelial defect is a reduced vasodilator response to an intraarterial infusion of acetylcholine that is likely due to reduced nitric oxide release, and we have hypothesized that reduced endothelial nitric oxide production contributes to postischemic cardiac dysfunction. However, others report that nitric oxide is deleterious after ischemia. We therefore examined the effects of infusions of L-arginine (3 mmol/L), a precursor of nitric oxide, D-arginine (3 mmol/L), an inactive stereoisomer of L-arginine, L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (1 mmol/L); a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, and L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (1 mmol/L) plus L-arginine (3 mmol/L) versus controls in isolated blood-perfused neonatal lamb hearts having 2 hours of cold cardioplegic ischemia. L-nitro-arginine methyl ester was given before reperfusion, and L-arginine and D-arginine were infused for the first 20 minutes of postischemic reperfusion. At 30 minutes of reperfusion, by comparison with the control group, the L-arginine group showed significantly better recovery (p < 0.05) of left ventricular systolic function (maximum developed pressure, developed pressure at V10 [balloon volume to produce an end-diastolic pressure of 10 mm Hg during baseline measurement], positive maximum dP/dt, and dP/dt at V10), diastolic function (negative maximum dP/dt), coronary blood flow, and endothelial function assessed by the coronary vascular resistance response to acetylcholine. The L-nitro-arginine methyl ester hearts showed a significantly poorer recovery (p < 0.05) in left ventricular function, coronary blood flow, and endothelial function than the control group. These effects of L-nitro-arginine methyl ester were reversed to equal control values by adding a 3 mmol/L concentration of L-arginine to L-nitro-arginine methyl ester. There were no significant differences in the recovery of any variables between the D-arginine and control groups. These results point to an important salutary role for the endothelial production of nitric oxide in cardiac recovery after hypothermic ischemia in neonatal lamb hearts. The mechanism of these beneficial effects of L-arginine after ischemia and reperfusion is likely due to enhancement of the endothelial production of nitric oxide.

Significance of nitric oxide in the stimulation of intestinal fluid absorption in the rat jejunum in vivo

1. The effects of inhibiting nitric oxide (NO)-synthase on fluid transport, mucosal cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP levels and intraluminal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-release were studied in a model of ligated jejunal loops of anaesthetized rats in vivo. Experiments were performed under basal conditions as well as under conditions, when net fluid secretion was induced by Escherichia coli heat stable enterotoxin a (E. coli STa) or PGE2. 2. Intravenous infusion of the NO-synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.25-50 mg kg-1, 45 min) dose-dependently reversed net fluid absorption to net secretion, whereas infusion of D-NAME, the inactive enantiomer of L-NAME, in corresponding doses did not influence net fluid transport. N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 25 mg kg-1), another NO-synthase inhibitor, also elicited net secretion of fluid. 3. L-NAME (25 mg kg-1)-induced net fluid secretion was reversed to net absorption by infusion of L-arginine (400 mg kg-1) or sodium nitroprusside (1 mg kg-1) and s.c. administration of indomethacin (10 mg kg-1). Hexamethonium (1 mg kg-1, s.c.), a ganglionic blocker and granisetron (100 micrograms kg-1, s.c.), a 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, did not influence L-NAME-induced net secretion. 4. Net fluid secretion induced by intraluminal instillation of E. coli STa (10 units ml-1) was enhanced by infusion of L-NAME (25 mg kg-1) and was inhibited by infusion of L-arginine (400 mg kg-1) and sodium nitroprusside (1 mg kg-1). D-Arginine (400 mg kg-1) did not influence E. coli STa-induced fluid secretion. Likewise, net fluid secretion induced by i.a. infusion of PGE2 (79 ng ml-1, 30 min) was enhanced by infusion of L-NAME and was inhibited by L-arginine and sodium nitroprusside. D-Arginine(400 mg kg-1) did not influence PGE2-induced fluid secretion.5. PGE2 levels in intraluminal fluid were not elevated after infusion of L-NAME (25mgkg-1) compared to controls.6. Mucosal cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP levels after L-NAME-treatment were not different from control values.7. These results indicate that nitric oxide plays an important role in the regulation of intestinal fluid transport. The data suggest a nitric oxide-dependent proabsorptive tone in the intestine, which possibly involves the enteric nervous system and suppression of prostaglandin formation. This proabsorptive tone also may downregulate fluid secretion induced by E. coli STa or PGE2.

Role of nitric oxide in cell-mediated tumor cytotoxicity

Strong and increasing evidence shows that nitric oxide (NO) contributes to immune function, and in particular to 'non-specific host defense'. The aim of the present review was to focus the current understanding of the role of NO as a biochemical effector of L-arginine-dependent cell-mediated immune responses to neoplastic cells in vitro and in vivo. The cytokine-inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) seems to mainly be implicated in the cytotoxic activity of almost all the effector cells involved in tumor cell killing. The cytotoxic actions of NO against tumor cells appear to be related mainly to inhibition of several heme-containing enzymes of the mitochondrial electron transport complex and the citric acid cycle.

Regulation and function of inducible nitric oxide synthase during sepsis and acute inflammation

During sepsis and inflammation profound changes in physiological function are induced by a variety of mediators, including endotoxin, various cytokines, and NO. Many of these mediators, in addition to their other functions, induce the synthesis of NO through the induction of iNOS within a variety of cell types. The regulation of iNOS expression is quite complex. Of interest is the fact that the functions of NO during sepsis range from modulating perfusion to mediating cytotoxicity. In addition, it is unique that many tissues not characterized as being involved in immune function express iNOS in a manner similar to that of tissues involved in immune function. The role of NO during episodes of acute inflammation appears to be a protective one; however, there are examples of chronic localized inflammation in both animal and human models which suggest that chronic iNOS expression may be detrimental. Further investigations into the regulation and function of NO in both the acute and chronic settings are necessary in order to fully understand this small yet unique molecule.

Effect of nitric oxide inhibition on capsaicin-elicited vasodilation in the rat oral circulation

The effects of local application of capsaicin on the vascular conductance of the oral structures (upper gingiva, lower gingiva, tongue, right and left submandibular glands) were studied with and without pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a potent inhibitor of nitric oxide formation in rats. Alterations in tissue blood flow were measured by laser-Doppler-flowmetry; systemic blood pressure was monitored continuously during the experiments. Local application of increasing concentrations of capsaicin (1.0; 3.33; 10.0; 33.3 mM; in a volume of 5 microliters) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the vascular conductance of all tissues investigated. There was a significant correlation between the values obtained for vascular conductance in the right and the left submandibular glands. Bolus intravenous injection of L-NAME (10 mg kg-1) elevated the mean systemic blood pressure significantly, by about 20%, with a rapid onset. This increase persisted until the end of the experiment. The augmentation of vascular conductance elicited by 10.0 mM capsaicin, locally administered, was significantly diminished in animals pretreated with L-NAME in all tissues tested. The results indicate that nitric oxide formation plays a significant role in the enhancement of vascular conductance produced in rat oral structures by local capsaicin administration.

Angiotensin modulation of vascular tone and adrenergic neurotransmission in cat femoral arteries

1. AI and AII induced contractions in cat femoral arteries, which were inhibited by saralasin. 2. The response to AI was reduced by captopril and endothelium removal and by chymostatin in endothelium-denuded segments. 3. AII contractions were increased by indomethacin, L-NAME and endothelium removal. 4. AII and AI facilitated the adrenergic neurotransmission. This facilitation was inhibited by saralasin and/or captopril. 5. These data suggest: (1) AI is converted into AII in the endothelial and adventitial layer; (2) the contractions caused by AI and AII are mediated by AII receptors and are modulated by endothelial release of NO and PGI2; and (3) the existence of presynaptic AII receptors mediating the facilitation of neurotransmission caused by AI and AII.

The relative importance of nitric oxide and nitric oxide-independent mechanisms in acetylcholine-evoked dilatation of the rat mesenteric bed

1. The relative contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to acetylcholine-induced smooth muscle relaxation was investigated in the rat perfused mesenteric vasculature and in isolated segments of second, third and fourth order arterial branches. 2. The EC50 values and maximal relaxation to acetylcholine were not significantly different in the sequential arterial branches, being approximately 0.05 microM and 85%, respectively. 3. The NO synthase inhibitor L-NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 100 microM) reduced acetylcholine-evoked endothelium-dependent dilatation and relaxation in the perfused mesenteric bed and in isolated arterial segments. The maximum response to acetylcholine in both preparations was reduced by between 35% to 40% while the EC50 values were increased by 5-6 fold. L-NAME had no effect on basal smooth muscle tone in either case. 4. In contrast, endothelium-dependent dilatation of the perfused mesenteric bed evoked by A23187 (0.002-20 nmol), was unaffected by exposure to L-NAME. The EC50 values and maximal responses elicited by A23187 (20 nmol) before and after exposure to L-NAME were 0.96 +/- 0.5 nmol and 67.0 +/- 7.0% (n = 4), and 0.7 +/- 0.4 nmol and 70.0 +/- 5.0% (n = 4; P > 0.01), respectively. 5. Perfusion of the isolated mesenteric bed with raised K(+)-Krebs buffer (25 mM) had no effect on basal tone, but reduced the amplitude of both acetylcholine- and A23187-evoked dilatation. The maximum responses to acetylcholine (2 micromol) and A23187 (20 nmol) were reduced from 67.5 +/- 7.3% and 65.4+/-8.2% to 18.9 +/-11.0% (n=5; P<0.01) and 13.5 +/-12.0% (n=4; P<0.01), respectively.6. Exposure of the mesenteric bed to L-NAME in the presence of raised K+-Krebs further reduced the maximal response elicited by acetylcholine to only 8.9 +/- 2.8% (n =4; P< 0.01).7. These results indicate that acetylcholine-evoked vasodilatation of the rat mesenteric vasculature is mediated by both NO-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The relative contribution made by these mechanisms does not appear to differ in sequential branches of the mesenteric artery. In contrast,A23187-evoked vasodilatation appears to be mediated predominantly by a NO-independent mechanism which is sensitive to increases in the extracellular potassium concentration and may reflect the action of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF).

Role of nitric oxide in exercise-induced vasodilation of the forearm

BACKGROUND

We wished to determine the role of NO in exercise-induced metabolic forearm vasodilation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Young healthy volunteers (n = 11) underwent static handgrip exercise (4 to 5 kg, 3 minutes). Forearm blood flow (FBF) measured by strain plethysmography increased from 4.1 +/- 0.7 mL.min-1.100 mL-1 at rest to 9.8 +/- 1.2 mL.min-1.100 mL-1 immediately after exercise and gradually decreased thereafter. Exercise was repeated after intrabrachial artery infusion of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) at 4.0 mumol/min for 5 minutes. L-NMMA did not alter blood pressure and heart rate. L-NMMA decreased FBF at rest to 2.9 +/- 0.4 mL.min-1.100 mL-1 (P < .01), peak FBF immediately after exercise to 7.2 +/- 0.7 mL.min-1.100 mL-1 (P < .01), and FBF during the mid to late phase of metabolic vasodilation (P < .01). Calculated oxygen consumption during peak exercise was comparable before and after L-NMMA. Intra-arterially infused L-arginine (10 mg/min, 5 minutes) reversed the inhibitory effect of L-NMMA. To determine the effect of the decrease in resting FBF on exercise-induced hyperemia, we normalized FBF after exercise by resting FBF. The percent increases in FBF after exercise from resting FBF were similar before and after L-NMMA. Furthermore, we examined the effect of intra-arterially infused angiotensin II on FBF at rest and after exercise (n = 7). Angiotensin II decreased FBF at rest from 3.1 +/- 0.3 to 1.8 +/- 0.3 mL.min-1.100 mL-1 (P < .01), peak FBF after exercise from 8.1 +/- 0.5 to 5.6 +/- 0.5 mL.min-1.100 mL-1 (P < .01), and FBF during the mid to late phase of metabolic vasodilation. The effects of L-NMMA and angiotensin II on FBF at rest and exercise were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that L-NMMA decreased FBF after exercise largely by decreasing resting FBF. These results suggest that NO may not play a significant role in exercise-induced metabolic arteriolar vasodilation in the forearm of healthy humans.

Participation of tumour necrosis factor and nitric oxide in the mediation of vascular dysfunction in splanchnic artery occlusion shock

1. Splanchnic artery occlusion (SAO) shock is characterized by irreversible circulatory failure. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) may affect the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway, thus contributing to the cardiovascular derangements of circulatory shock. 2. We investigated the contribution of both TNF-alpha and the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway to the vascular dysfunction of SAO shock. Anaesthetized rats, subjected to total occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery and the coeliac trunk for 45 min developed a severe shock state (SAO shock) resulting in a fatal outcome within 75-90 min after the release of occlusion. Sham operated animals were used as controls. SAO shocked rats had also a marked hypotension and enhanced macrophage and serum levels of TNF-alpha. Furthermore, aortic rings from shocked rats showed a marked hyporeactivity to phenylephrine (PE 1 nM-10 microM) and reduced responsiveness to acetylcholine (ACh 10 nM-10 microM). Endothelium-denuded aortic rings had also a marked hyporeactivity to phenylephrine, which was restored to control values by in vitro administration of NG nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME 10 microM). 3. In vivo administration of cloricromene (2 mg kg-1, i.v.), an inhibitor of TNF-alpha biosynthesis, increased survival, enhanced mean arterial blood pressure and reduced macrophage and serum levels of TNF-alpha. Furthermore, aortic rings from shocked rats treated with cloricromene exhibited a greater contractile response to phenylephrine and improved responsiveness to ACh when compared to aortic rings from vehicle-treated SAO shocked rats. 4. Our results suggest that TNF-alpha alters both endothelial and muscular L-arginine/nitric oxide pathways which in turn produce vascular dysfunction in SAO shock.

Contribution of endothelium-derived nitric oxide to exercise-induced vasodilation

BACKGROUND

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide is an important modulator of resting vascular tone in animals and humans. However, the contribution of nitric oxide to exercise-induced vasodilation is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The effect of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, on exercise-induced vasodilation was studied in 18 healthy subjects (mean +/- SD, 40 +/- 10 years; 10 women). Acetylcholine was used to test the efficacy of L-NMMA in inhibiting stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis and sodium nitroprusside to test the specificity of L-NMMA in inhibiting endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Intermittent handgrip exercise and infusions of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were performed during intra-arterial infusion of 5% dextrose (control) and L-NMMA (4 to 16 mumol/min). Forearm blood flow was determined by strain-gauge plethysmography. Forearm oxygen extraction was measured from arterial and venous oxygen saturations. In a separate study, 10 subjects performed exercise during infusions of 5% dextrose, L-arginine (the substrate for nitric oxide production), and D-arginine (the stereoisomer that is not a substrate for nitric oxide production). L-NMMA reduced exercise blood flow by 7 +/- 13% (P = .04), increased exercise resistance by 18 +/- 20% (P = .02), and increased exercise oxygen extraction by 16 +/- 17% (P < .001). The degree of inhibition of acetylcholine-induced vasodilation with L-NMMA correlated positively with the degree of reduction in exercise blood flow (r = .55, P = .02). The highest dose of L-NMMA (16 mumol/min) produced the greatest effect; exercise blood flow was reduced by 11 +/- 14% (P = .03), and vascular resistance increased by 26 +/- 23% (P = .005). L-NMMA did not affect the forearm vasodilation produced by sodium nitroprusside. Exercise blood flow, resistance, and oxygen extraction were not significantly modified by infusions of either L- or D-arginine.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis reduces exercise-induced vasodilation in the human forearm, indicating that nitric oxide plays a role in exercise-induced vasodilation. Increased availability of nitric oxide substrate does not enhance exercise-induced vasodilation in healthy subjects. These findings have important implications for disease states in which endothelium-derived nitric oxide production is impaired.

Role of nitric oxide in the regulation of oxygen consumption in conscious dogs

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of O2 consumption was studied in chronically instrumented conscious dogs. A specific NO synthesis inhibitor, nitro-L-arginine (NLA, 30 mg/kg i.v.), significantly increased mean arterial pressure from 100 +/- 4 to 134 +/- 5 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM) and total peripheral resistance by 157 +/- 16% and reduced cardiac output by 47 +/- 3% and heart rate by 34 +/- 6% after 120 minutes. Changes in arterial blood gases were not observed. There were significant changes in PO2 (-14 +/- 2 mm Hg), O2 saturation (-21 +/- 2%), the percentage of hemoglobin as oxyhemoglobin (-21 +/- 2%), and O2 content (-3.0 +/- 0.9 vol%) and a significant increase in percent reduced hemoglobin (21 +/- 1%) in mixed venous blood, associated with an increase in O2 extraction (5.1 +/- 0.2 vol%) (all P < .01). O2 consumption was increased from 124 +/- 6 to 155 +/- 9 mL/min (P < .05). Methoxamine, titrated to have hemodynamic effects similar to those of NLA (eg, mean arterial pressure increased from 97 +/- 4 to 131 +/- 5 mm Hg), had much smaller effects on venous blood gases, hemoglobin, and O2 extraction (2.3 +/- 0.7 vol%) and no significant effect on O2 consumption. NLA also caused an increase in O2 consumption of 37 +/- 8% (P < .01) in quietly resting conscious dogs that had undergone pretreatment with hexamethonium and atropine, but no significant change in O2 consumption in dogs anesthetized with barbiturate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of nitro-L-arginine on cerebral blood flow and monoamine metabolism during ischemia/reperfusion in the mongolian gerbil

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with nitro-L-arginine (i.p., 40 mg/kg body weight) in contrast to L-arginine (300 mg/kg body weight) delayed the initial recovery of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and altered dopamine (DA) metabolism in brain ischemia/reperfusion of Mongolian gerbils. Similar changes but more severe were observed with pargyline (monoamine oxidase inhibitor). Data suggest nitric oxide involvement in postischemic CBF recovery and modulation of DA metabolism due to nitro-L-arginine-induced CBF reduction.

Fish protein-rich diet attenuates hypertension induced by dietary NG-nitro-L-arginine in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats

1. Dietary 0.023% NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, induced hypertension in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). This hypertension was significantly attenuated in WKY given a fish protein-rich diet. 2. The supplement of 2% L-arginine given in a standard diet or a diet containing 3% taurine for drinking did not significantly affect the development of hypertension induced by L-NNA in WKY. 3. WKY which received the standard diet mixed with 10% urea and 0.023% L-NNA had significantly attenuated hypertension compared with WKY receiving the standard diet mixed with 10% kaolin and 0.023% L-NNA. 4. These results suggest that the attenuation of hypertension in L-NNA-treated WKY rats given a fish protein rich diet may be partly caused by urea, a metabolic end-product of protein.