[The history of renalase from amine oxidase to a a-NAD(P)H-oxidase/anomerase]

Renalase is a recently discovered secretory protein, which plays a certain (still poorly understood) role in regulation of blood pressure. The review summarizes own and literature data accumulated since the first publication on relanase (2005). Initial reports on FAD-dependent amine oxidase activity of this protein were not confirmed in independent experiments performed in different laboratories. In addition, proposed amine oxidase activity of circulating extracellular renalase requires the presence of FAD, which has not been detected either in blood or urinary renalase. Moreover, renalase excreted into urine lacks its N-terminal peptide, which is ultimately needed for accommodation of the FAD cofactor. Results of the Aliverti's group on NAD(P)H binding by renalase and weak diaphorase activity of this protein stimulated further studies of renalase as NAD(P)H oxidase catalyzing reaction of catecholamine co-oxidation. However, physiological importance of such extracellular catecholamine-metabolizing activity (demonstrated in one laboratory and not detected in another laboratory) remains unclear due to existence of much more active enzymatic systems (e.g. neutrophil NAD(P)H oxidase, xanthine oxidase/xanthine) in circulation, which can perform such co-oxidation reactions. Recently a-NAD(P)H oxidase/anomerase activity of renalase, which also pomotes oxidative conversion of b-NADH isomers inhibiting activity of NAD-dependent dehydrogenases, has been described. However, its possible contribution to the antihypertensive effect of renalase remains unclear. Thus, the antihypertensive effect of renalase still remains a phenomenon with unclear biochemical mechanim(s) and functions of intracellular and extracellular (circulating) renalases obviously differ.

[Potentiation of activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by YC-1, NO-donors and increase of the synergistic effect of YC-1 on NO-dependent activation of the enzyme by 1,2,3-triazolyl-1,2,5-oxadiazole derivatives]

The influence of (1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-1,2,5-oxadiazole derivatives: 4-amino-3-(5-methyl-4- ethoxycarbonyl-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-1,2,5-oxadiazole (TF4CH3) and 4,4'-bis(5-methel-4-ethoxycarbonyl-1H- 1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-3,3'-azo-1,2,5-oxadiazole (2TF4CH3) on stimulation of human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase by YC-1, NO-donors (sodium nitroprusside, SNP, and spermine NONO) and on a synergistic increase of NO-dependent enzyme activation in the presence of YC-1 has been investigated. Both compounds increased guanylate cyclase activation by YC-1, potentiated guanylate cyclase stimulation by NO-donors and increased the synergistic effect of YC-1 on NO-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. The similarity in the properties of the examined TF4CH3 and 2TF4CH3 with that of YC-1 and the possible mechanism underlying the revealed properties of compounds used are discussed.

[Potentiation of NO-dependent activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase by 5-nitroisatin and antiviral preparatation arbidol]

Isatin (indole-dione) is an endogenous indole that exibits a wide range of biological and physiological activity. The influence of isatin derivatives 5-nitroisatin and arbidol (an antiviral preparatation) on spermine NONO-induced activation of human platelet soluble guanylyl cyclase was investigated. 5-nitroistnin and arbidol had no effect on basal activity, but synergistically increased in a concentration-dependent manner the spermine NONO-induced activation of this enzyme. 5-Nitroisatin and arbidol, like YC-1, sensitized guanylyl cyclase towards nitric oxide (NO) and produced a leftward shift of the spermine NONO concentration response curve. At the same time both compounds used did not influence the activation of guanylyl cyclase by YC-1 and did not change the synergistic increase of spermine NONO-induced activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase in the presence of YC-1. This suggests that 5-nitroisanin and arbidol did not compete with YC-1. Addition of isatin did not change the synergistic increase in the spermine NONO-induced guanylyl cyclase activation by 5-nitroisatin and arbidol and did not influence a leftward shift of spermine NONO concentration response curve produced by these compounds. These data suggest lack of competitive interaction between isatin and both its derivatives used.

[Soluble guanylate cyclase in the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic action of drugs]

The influence of ambroxol--a mucolytic drug--on the activity of human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase and rat lung soluble guanylate cyclase and activation of both enzymes by NO-donors (sodium nitroprusside and Sin-1) were investigated. Ambroxol in the concentration range from 0.1 to 10 microM had no effect on the basal activity of both enzymes. Ambroxol inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the sodium nitroprusside-induced human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase and rat lung soluble guanylate cyclase with the IC50 values 3.9 and 2.1 microM, respectively. Ambroxol did not influence the stimulation of both enzymes by protoporphyrin IX. The influence of artemisinin--an antimalarial drug--on human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase activity and the enzyme activation by NO-donors were investigated. Artemisinin (0.1-100 microM) had no effect on the basal activity of the enzyme. Artemisinin inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the sodium nitroprusside-induced activation of human platelet guanylate cyclase with an IC50 value 5.6 microM. Artemisinin (10 microM) also inhibited (by 71 +/- 4.0%) the activation of the enzyme by thiol-dependent NO-donor the derivative of furoxan, 3,4-dicyano-1,2,5-oxadiazolo-2-oxide (10 microM), but did not influence the stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase by protoporphyrin IX. It was concluded that the sygnalling system NO-soluble guanylate cyclase-cGMP is involved in the molecular mechanism of the therapeutic action of ambroxol and artemisinin.

[Inhibition of no-dependent soluble human platelet guanylate cyclase by isatin]

Isatin (indole-dione-2,3) is an endogenous indole that exhibits a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities. Physiologically relevant concentrations of isatin (ranged from 1 nM to 10 M) did not influence basal activity of soluble human platelet guanylate cyclase (sGC), but caused a bell-shaped inhibition of the NO-activated enzyme. Inhibition of the NO-dependent activation by isatin did not depend on a chemical nature of the NO donors. The inhibitory effects of ODC (a heme-dependent inhibitor of sGC) and isatin were non-additive suggesting that the inhibitory effect of isatin may involve the heme binding domain (possibly heme iron) and experiments with hemin revealed some isatin-dependent changes in its spectrum. Isatin also inhibited sGC activation by the allosteric activator YC-1. It is suggested that the bell shaped inhibition of the NO-dependent activation of sGC by isatin may be attributed to complex interaction of isatin with the heme binding domain and the allosteric YC-1-binding site of sGC.

[Potentiation of nitric oxide-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by levomycetin, tetracycline, and oxolin]

The influence of antibiotics laevomycetin and tetracycline and the antivirus agent oxolin on the activity of human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase, the stimulation of the enzyme by NO-donors (sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and spermine nanoate (spermine NONO)) and the combination of spermine NONO and YC-1 was investigated. All preparations used in the concentration range 0,1-10 mM had no effect on the basal activity of guanylate cyclase but potentiated the SNP-induced activation of this enzyme. All preparations used synergistically increased (similar to YC-1) spermine NONO-induced activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. At the same time these compounds did not produce the leftward shift of spermine NONO concentration response curve characteristic for YC-1. Moreover, all compounds used did not influence the leftward shift of spermine NONO concentration response curve obtained in the presence of YC-1. This demonstrated that there was no competition between YC-1 and the drugs for interaction with the enzyme. The revealed regulatory phenomen of laevomycetin, tetracycline and oxolin to increase synergistically NO-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase may cause additional pharmacological effects during prolong treatment by these drugs. This fact is necessary taking into account.

[YC-1-like potentiation of nitric oxide-dependent activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase by adrenochrome]

The influence of adrenochrome and YC-1 on spermine NONO-induced activation of human soluble guanylyl cyclase was investigated. Adrenochrome (0.1-10 microM) had no effect on the basal activity, but it potentiated in concentration-dependent manner the spermine NONO-induced activation of this enzyme. Adrenochrome, like YC-1, sensitized guanylyl cyclase towards nitric oxide (NO) and produced the leftward shift of spermine NONO concentration responce curve. Addition of adrenochrome decreased the YC-1-induced leftward shift of spermine NONO concentration response curve. Adrenochrome also inhibited (by 63%) the enzyme activation by YC-1. These data demonstrates the possible competition between adrenochrome and YC-1. Thus, synergistic activation of NO-stimulated guanylyl cyclase activity by adrenochrome represents a new biochemical effect of this compound and indicates that adrenochrome may act as an endogenous regulator of NO-dependent stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase. This new property of adrenochrome, similar to YC-1, is necessary taking into account, especially under conditions of overproduction of adrenochrome in organism.

[Nitric oxide. Potentiation of NO-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase--(patho)physiological and pharmacotherapeutical significance]

The paper reviews the molecular mechanism underlying the physiological effects of nitric oxide (NO), the role of the signalling system: NO-soluble guanylate cyclase-cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the realization of NO action. The data concerning the basic chemical characteristics of guanylate cyclase, such as the subunits structure, isoforms, modem concepts of the catalytic and regulatory centers of the enzyme are presented. The role of guanylate cyclase heme and the enzyme itself in the realization of physiological effects of NO is demonstrated. The data concerning a new NO-independent, allosteric activator of soluble guanylate cyclase, YC-1 (benzyl indasol derivative) synergistically increased the NO-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase are presented. The data on guanylate cyclase sites responsible for binding of the enzyme with YC-1 and possible molecular mechanism underlying the synergistic increase of NO-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by YC-1 are presented. New compounds of endogenous nature capable to potentiate and synergistically increase the activation of guanylate cyclase by NO-donors have been revealed and investigated. The important physiological, pharmacotherapeutical and pathophysiological significance of this new fact is discussed.

[Potentiation of NO-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by polyamines]

The influence of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, spermine) on the activity of human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase and stimulation of the enzyme by sodium nitroprusside, YC-1 and their combination was investigated. All polyamines used stimulated the guanylate cyclase activity and potentiated its activation by sodium nitroprusside. The stimulatory effects of sodium nitroprusside and putrescine (or spermine) were additive; spermidine produced a synergistic activation and increased the additive effect. All polyamines investigated inhibited the activation of the enzyme by YC-1 and decreased the synergistic activation of sodium nitroprusside-stimulated guanylate cyclase activity by YC-1 with approximately the same efficiency. The revealed ability of polyamines investigated to potentiate and synergistically increase (similar to YC-1, but less effective) NO-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase represents a new biochemical effect of these compounds, which should be taken into consideration, especially due to the endogenous nature of polyamines. The data obtained suggest, that the specific functions of polyamines in the processes of cell growth and diffentiation may be also related to the ability of these compounds to activate soluble guanylate cyclase and increase cGMP level.

YC-1-like potentiation of NO-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by derivatives of protoporphyrin IX

The influence of protoporphyrin IX derivatives--2,4-di(1-methoxyethyl)-deuteroporphyrin IX disodium salt (dimegin) and hematoporphyrin IX (HP)--on the activation of human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase by sodium nitroprusside was investigated. Dimegin and HP, like 1-benzyl-3-(hydroxymethyl-2-furyl)indazole (YC-1), produce synergistic effects on the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by sodium nitroprusside. The synergistic activation of the enzyme by the combination of 10 microM sodium nitroprusside and 5 microM dimegin (or 5 microM HP) was 190 +/- 19 and 134 +/- 10%, respectively. The synergistic activation of guanylate cyclase by 3 microM YC-1 and 10 microM sodium nitroprusside was 255 +/- 19%. Dimegin and HP had no effect on the activation of guanylate cyclase by YC-1; they did not change the synergistic effect of YC-1 (3 microM) and sodium nitroprusside (10 microM) on guanylate cyclase activity. The synergistic activation of NO-stimulated guanylate cyclase activity by dimegin and HP represents a new biochemical effect of these compounds that may have important pharmacotherapeutic and physiological significance.

[No: a new look on the mechanism of action of old drugs]

The paper reviews the main approaches used for development of effective therapeutic means directly regulating signaling system "nitric oxide (NO)--soluble guanylate cyclase--cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)". Special attention is paid to the role of this system in the mechanism of action of so called "old drugs". Using new approaches for investigating the antihypertensive and anti-aggregatory action of NO and the role of guanylate cyclase in these processes the priority and fundamental data concerning the elaboration of the molecular basis of directed search and creation of new, effective antihypertensive and antiaggregatory compounds have been obtained. Studies of direct activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by the original NO-donors new activators of this enzyme resulted in discovery of new drugs participating in regulation of haemostasis and vascular tone. The priority data on new inhibitors of NO-dependent activation of guanylate cyclase (among which turn to the drugs) and the possible molecular mechanism of their pharmacological action are presented. It was shown at first time that the signaling system "NO-soluble guanylate cyclase-cGMP" may be involved in the mechanism of the therapeutic action of a number of widely used drugs including those acting as chemotherapeutics and antiprotozoics.

Nonselective inhibition of monoamine oxidases A and B by activators of soluble guanylate cyclase

Several activators of soluble guanylate cyclase were investigated as potential inhibitors of rat liver mitochondrial monoamine oxidases (MAO) A and B. They all fitted into the previously designed "molds" of substrate-inhibitor binding sites of these enzymes. However, only two of them, NO donors (7-nitro-benzotetrazine-1,3-dioxide (7-NBTDO) and benzodifuroxan), caused nonselective inhibition of MAO A and MAO B with IC(50) values of 1.3-1.6 and 6.8-6.3 microM, respectively. The inhibitory effect on both MAO A and MAO B was reduced by mitochondria wash suggesting reversible mode of the enzyme inhibition. There was no correlation between potency of MAO inhibition and activation of human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase. The NO scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (carboxy-PTIO) had no effect on the manifestation of MAO inhibition by benzodifuroxan and 7-NBTDO; however, at 50 microM concentration carboxy-PTIO caused potent inhibition of MAO A with minor effect on MAO B activity. The data suggest that nonselective inhibition of MAO A and MAO B by benzodifuroxan and 7-NBTDO can be attributed to the properties of the chemical structures of these compounds. The results of the present study demonstrate a real possibility for the development of a new generation of effective reversible nonselective MAO inhibitors exhibiting equal inhibitory activity with respect to both MAO A and MAO B.

Derivatives of benzotetrazine-1,3-dioxide are new NO-donors, activators of soluble guanylate cyclase, and inhibitors of platelet aggregation

The ability of 5-nitro-, 7-nitro-, and 5,7-dinitrobenzotetrazine-1,3-dioxides to generate nitric oxide (NO) and activate soluble guanylate cyclase was investigated. All of these compounds were found to be thiol-dependent NO-donors and guanylate cyclase activators. The maximal stimulatory effect of 5-nitro-, 7-nitro-, and 5,7-dinitrobenzotetrazine-1,3-dioxides was observed at 10 microM concentration and the activity increase was 4.5-, 15.0-, and 8.2-fold in the presence of 20 microM dithiothreitol and 11.3-, 31.6-, and 20.5-fold, respectively, in the presence of added glutathione (100 microM). The NO-dependent mechanism of benzotetrazine-1,3-dioxide nitroderivative-induced activation of soluble guanylate cyclase (in the presence of 100 microM glutathione) was confirmed by the inhibition (by 78%) of 7-nitrobenzotetrazine-1,3-dioxide (10 microM)-stimulated guanylate cyclase activity in the presence of the NO-scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (Carboxy-PTIO, 50 microM) and by the inhibition with 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 0.3 microM) of 5-nitro-, 7-nitro-, and 5,7-dinitrobenzotetrazine-1,3-dioxides (10 microM)-stimulated guanylate cyclase by 34, 69, and 39%, respectively. All compounds used inhibited ADP-induced aggregation of human platelets with IC50 of 10.0, 1.3, and 2.0 microM for 5-nitro-, 7-nitro-, and 5,7-dinitrobenzotetrazine-1,3-dioxides, respectively. A clearly defined correlation was established between the ability of the compounds to generate NO, activate soluble guanylate cyclase, and inhibit platelet aggregation.

[Nitric oxide. The role of guanylate cyclase in its physiological effects]

In this review the molecular mechanism underlying the antihypertensive and anti-aggregatory actions of nitric oxide (NO) are discussed. It has been shown that these effects are directly connected with the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and the accumulation of cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The data concerning the basic chemical characteristics of guanylate cyclase, such as the subunits structure, isoforms, modern concepts on the catalytic and regulatory centers of the enzyme are presented. The role of heme and sulfhydryl groups in the functioning of guanylate cyclase and the significance of the nitrosyl-heme complex formed as a result of interaction of guanylate cyclase heme with NO are analyzed. Using new approaches for studying the antihypertensive and antiaggregatory actions of nitric oxide in combination with the newly obtained data on the regulatory role of guanylate cyclase in the platelet aggregation process, the most important results were obtained. The priority data on the new inhibitors of nitric oxide-dependent guanylate cyclase activation (among which turn to be the drugs) and the possible molecular mechanism of their pharmacological action are presented.

[Endothelial dysfunction in the development of vascular complications in diabetes mellitus]

Patients with type 1 diabetes, aged 18 to 42 years, were compared to those aged 11 to 22 years. Activities of endothelial vasoactive factors and endothelial and leukocyte adhesion molecules were studied at different stages of development diabetes complications: nephropathy and retinopathy. The findings reveal role of the vasoactive factors in microangiopathy course.

Ambroxol as an inhibitor of nitric oxide-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase

The influence of ambroxol on the activity of human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase and rat lung soluble guanylate cyclase was investigated. Ambroxol in the concentration range from 0.1 to 10 microM had no effect on the basal activity of both enzymes and slightly enhanced it at 50 and 100 microM. Ambroxol inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the sodium nitroprusside-induced activation of both enzymes. The IC(50) values for inhibition by ambroxol of sodium nitroprusside-stimulated human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase and rat lung soluble guanylate cyclase were 3.9 and 2.1 microM, respectively. Ambroxol did not influence the stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase by protoporphyrin 1X. Thus, it is possible that the molecular mechanism of the therapeutic action of ambroxol involves the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO)-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase.

[The activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by new NO donors as the basis of a directed search for new efficacious vasodilators and antiaggregants]

The paper deals with the molecular mechanisms of antihypertensive and antiaggregatory actions of nitric oxide (NO). These effects of NO are shown to be directly associated with the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and with the accumulation of 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate. The paper discusses the mechanism of activation of guanylate cyclase with new donors: the role and value of a nitrosyl-hemic complex formed in the interaction of guanylate cyclase with NO. New approaches to studying the mechanism of antihypertensive and antiaggregatory actions of the NO donors in question provided fundamental and priority data that lead to the development of the molecular bases of goal-oriented search and the synthesis of new effective vasodilators and antiaggregants. Examining the molecular mechanisms of targeted activation of soluble guanylate cyclase with new NO donors has revealed new enzyme activators that generate NO in the body and participate in the regulation of homeostasis and vascular tone.

Carnosine as a regulator of soluble guanylate cyclase

The molecular mechanism of the participation of carnosine in the functioning of soluble guanylate cyclase is discussed. It is shown that carnosine inhibits the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by sodium nitroprusside and a derivative of furoxan--1,2,5-oxadiazolo-trioxide (an NO donor). However, carnosine has no effect on stimulation of the enzyme by a structural analog of the latter compound, a furazan derivative (1,2,5-oxadiazolo-dioxide) that is not an NO donor; nor was carnosine involved in the enzyme activation by protoporphyrin IX, whose stimulatory effect is not associated with the guanylate cyclase heme. The inhibition by carnosine of guanylate cyclase activation by an NO donor is due to the interaction of carnosine with heme iron with subsequent formation of a chelate complex. It was first demonstrated that carnosine is a selective inhibitor of NO-dependent activation of guanylate cyclase and may be used for suppression of activity of the intracellular signaling system NO-soluble guanylate cyclase-cGMP, whose sharp increase is observed in malignant tumors, sepsis, septic shock, asthma, and migraine.

Benzodifuroxan as an NO-dependent activator of soluble guanylate cyclase and a novel highly effective inhibitor of platelet aggregation

The ability of benzodifuroxan (BDF) to activate human platelet guanylate cyclase was investigated. The maximal stimulatory effect (1160 +/- 86%) was observed at 0.01 mM concentration. Sodium nitroprusside produced the same stimulatory effect (1220 +/- 100%) but at a higher concentration (0.1 mM). 1-H-[1,2,4,]-Oxadiazolo[4, 3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of NO-dependent guanylate cyclase activation, attenuated the stimulatory effect of BDF (0.01 mM) by 75% and that of sodium nitroprusside (0.1 mM) by 80%. Increasing dithiothreitol concentration in the sample from 2. 10-6 to 2.10-4 M increased the stimulatory effect of BDF 2.7-fold. The possible involvement of sulfhydryl groups of low-molecular-weight thiols and guanylate cyclase in thiol-dependent activation of the enzyme is discussed. We have also found that BDF is a highly effective inhibitor of ADP-induced human platelet aggregation with IC50 of 6.10-8 M. The effect of sodium nitroprusside was much weaker (IC50, 5.10-5 M).

Vasorelaxant and antiplatelet activity of 4,7-dimethyl-1,2, 5-oxadiazolo[3,4-d]pyridazine 1,5,6-trioxide: role of soluble guanylate cyclase, nitric oxide and thiols

1. Certain heterocyclic N-oxides are vasodilators and inhibitors of platelet aggregation. The pharmacological activity of the furoxan derivative condensed with pyridazine di-N-oxide 4,7-dimethyl-1,2, 5-oxadiazolo[3,4-d]pyridazine 1,5,6-trioxide (FPTO) and the corresponding furazan (FPDO) was studied. 2. FPTO reacted with thiols generating nitrite (NO), S-nitrosoglutathione and hydroxylamine (nitroxyl) and converted oxyHb to metHb. FPDO did not generate detectable amounts of NO-like species but reacted with thiols and oxyHb. 3. FPTO and FPDO haem-dependently stimulated the activity of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and this stimulation was inhibited by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) and by 0.1 mM dithiothreitol. 4. FPTO relaxed noradrenaline-precontracted aortic rings and its concentration-response curve was biphasic (pIC(50)=9. 03+/-0.13 and 5.85+/-0.06). FPDO was significantly less potent vasodilator (pIC(50)=5.19+/-0.14). The vasorelaxant activity of FPTO and FPDO was inhibited by ODQ. oxyHb significantly inhibited only FPTO-dependent relaxation. 5. FPTO and FPDO were equipotent inhibitors of ADP-induced platelet aggregation (IC(50)=0.63+/-0.15 and 0.49+/-0. 05 microM, respectively). The antiplatelet activity of FPTO (but not FPDO) was partially suppressed by oxyHb. The antiaggregatory effects of FPTO and FPDO were only partially blocked by sGC inhibitors. 6. FPTO and FPDO (10 - 20 microM) significantly increased cyclic GMP levels in aortic rings and platelets and this increase was blocked by ODQ. 7. Thus, FPTO can generate NO and, like FPDO, reacts with thiols and haem. The vasorelaxant activity of FPTO and FPDO is sGC-dependent and a predominant role is played by NO at FPTO concentrations below 1 microM. On the contrary, inhibition of platelet aggregation is only partially related to sGC activation.

Role of soluble guanylate cyclase in reactivation of choline esterase inhibited by phosphoorganic compounds

The effects of possible activators of soluble guanylate cyclase were studied. Hydroxylamine and some oxime derivatives such as pyridinium aldoximes and bispyridinium dioxime (dipyroxime) were tested as possible guanylate cyclase activators. These compounds are known to be reactivators of choline esterase which has been preinhibited with phosphoorganic compounds. All the tested compounds were found to activate human platelet guanylate cyclase in the concentration range 10-6-10-3 M. The highest stimulatory affect was achieved at 10-4 M with hydroxylamine and dipyroxime: 210 +/- 10 and 320 +/- 15%, respectively. Potassium ferricyanide oxidation of these compounds under mild conditions formed nitroprusside ion, as registered by the electrochemical (polarographic) method; this is evidence that these compounds are NO donors. It is concluded that the activation of guanylate cyclase by the tested compounds is associated with their ability to generate NO during their biotransformation. The possible role of guanylate cyclase activation by oxime derivatives in the mechanism underlying the reactivation of inhibited choline esterase at the cell level is discussed.

Role of soluble guanylate cyclase in the molecular mechanism underlying the physiological effects of nitric oxide

In this review the molecular mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive and antiaggregatory actions of nitric oxide (NO) are discussed. It has been shown that these effects are directly connected with the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and the accumulation of cyclic 3;,5;-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The mechanism of guanylate cyclase activation by NO is analyzed, especially the role and biological significance of the nitrosyl--heme complex formed as a result of interaction of guanylate cyclase heme with NO and the role of sulfhydryl groups of the enzyme in this process. Using new approaches for studying the antihypertensive and antiaggregatory actions of nitric oxide in combination with the newly obtained data on the regulatory role of guanylate cyclase in the platelet aggregation process, the most important results were obtained regarding the molecular bases providing for a directed search for and creation of new effective antihypertensive and antiaggregatory preparations. In studying the molecular mechanism for directed activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by new NO donors, a series of hitherto unknown enzyme activators generating NO and involved in the regulation of hemostasis and vascular tone were revealed.

[Inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation by guanidine thiols--a novel class of guanylate cyclase activators and NO-synthase substrates]

Antiaggregatory properties of guanidine thiol derivatives and their effect on human platelet guanylate cyclase activity were studied. The molecules of guanidine thiols contain guanidine and thiol groups which are the donor and acceptor of nitric oxide (NO), respectively. Three synthetic guanidine thiol derivatives were studied including mercaptoethylguanidine (MEG), mercaptoethylguanidine disulfide (MEG-disulfide), and mercaptoethylguanidine methylated at SH-group (S-methylmercaptoethylguanidine (S-methyl MEG)). All compounds are the substrates of NO-synthase and activators of human platelet guanylate cyclase. The stimulatory effects of MEG and MEG-disulfide on guanylate cyclase activity were 2- and 4-fold higher, respectively, than the effect of L-arginine. Stimulation of the enzyme by S-methyl MEG is similar to L-arginine. Antiaggregatory properties of these compounds correspond to the extent of guanylate cyclase activation. Extent of guanylate cyclase activation (S-methyl MEG < MEG < MEG-disulfide) significantly correlates with inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation and with acceleration of spontaneous disaggregation of platelets. The mechanism of directed enhancement of antiaggregatory properties of the compounds can depend on their chemical structure and extent of guanylate cyclase activation.

Mechanism of activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by guanidine thiols--a new class of enzyme activators

The study is concerned with the mechanism of activation of soluble guanylate cycla-se by guanidine thiol derivatives-a new class of enzyme activators. Guanidine thiols contain both the guanidine and SH group which act, respectively, as donor and acceptor of nitric oxide (NO). The role of guanidine thiol SH group in the mechanism of soluble guanylate cyclase activation was studied. Three guanidine thiol derivatives were tested: mercaptoethylguanidine, its disulfide and S-methyl mercaptoethylguani-dine. All three compounds proved to be NO-synthase substrates and, simultaneously, guanylate cyclase activators. The degrees of guanylate cyclase activation by mercaptoethylguanidine and its disulfide were, respectively, two and four times higher than that by L-arginine. The stimulatory effects of S-methyl mercaptoethylguanidine and L-arginine were evaluated and found to be of the same order. The important role of S-acceptor group of guanidine thiols in the mechanism of guanylate cyclase activation increase provides an explanation for different intensities of guanylate cyclase activation by the compounds tested. NO-acceptor properties of guanidine thiols disulfide bonds in the synthase mechanism of NO generation were first reported.

[The role of SH-groups in guanidine thiols--new substrates for NO-synthase--in stimulating the activity of guanylate cyclase]

Guanidine thiol derivatives--a new class of soluble guanylate cyclase activators--have been studied. Guanidine thiols contain in their molecule both the guanidine and thiol groups which act as donors acceptors of nitric oxide (NO), respectively. The role of the guanidine thiol SH-groups in the mechanism of soluble guanylate cyclase activation has been evaluated. The effect of three guanidine thiol derivatives: mercaptoethylguanidine (MEG), mercaptoethylguanidine disulfide (MEG disulfide) and S-methyl mercaptoethylguanidine (S-methyl MEG) on human platelet guanylate cyclase activity, has been examined. It was found that all the compounds tested in this study were substrates for NO-synthase and guanylate cyclase activators. The stimulatory effects of MEG and MEG disulfide surpassed the L-arginine-induced activation of guanylate cyclase-2- and 4-fold, respectively. The enzyme stimulation by S-methyl MEG was of the same order as that of L-arginine. The important role of S-acceptor groups of guanidine thiols in the mechanism of directed increase of guanylate cyclase activation was established. This mechanism explains the nature of differences in the intensity of guanylate cyclase activation by the guanidine thiols under study. The NO-acceptor properties of disulfide bond of guanidine thiols in the case of the NO-synthase mechanism of NO formation have been established.

[A new activator of soluble guanylate cyclase generated by nitric oxide and having antihypertensive and anti-aggregation properties]

The effects of aminoethylisothiuronium bromide known as a radioprotector on the activity of human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase and on ADP-induced aggregation of human platelets have been studied. It has been shown that in Tris-buffer and at definite pH values aminoethylisothiuronium bromide is converted into mercaptoethylguanidine as a result of a transguanidine rearrangement. The latter contains in its molecule both guanidine and SH-groups which appear to be the donor and acceptor of nitric oxide, respectively. It was found that after its rearrangement into mercaptoethylguanidine, aminoethylisothiuronium bromide activates human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase, inhibits ADP-induced aggregation of human platelets and accelerates their spontaneous disaggregation. The stimulating effect of aminoethylisothiuronium bromide depends on the effectiveness of its transguanidine rearrangement into mercaptoethylguanidine. A molecular mechanism of the hypotensive side effect of aminoethylisothiuronium bromide is proposed.

Guanidine thiol--a new activator of soluble guanylate cyclase with antihypertensive and antiaggregatory properties

Effects of aminoethylisothiuronium bromide (AET), known as radioprotector, on human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase and on ADP-induced human platelets aggregation were studied. It was shown that AET - in Tris buffer and at certain pH values - is converted, via transguanidine rearrangement, to mercaptoethylguanidine. The latter contains in its molecule both the guanidine and SH groups which act as donor and acceptor of nitric oxide (NO), respectively. It was demonstrated that AET, after its rearrangement to mercaptoethylguanidine, is able to activate human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase, as well as to inhibit ADP-induced human stimulatory effect of AET is dependent on the effectiveness of its transguanidine rearrangement to mercaptoethylguanidine. The molecular mechanism of the hypotensive by - effect of AET is proposed.

[The role of heme in activating rat myocardial guanylate cyclase by sodium nitroprusside]

The basal activity of soluble rat myocardial guanylate cyclase (105000 x g supernatant) is stimulated by 2 mM dithiothreitol (2-fold). In the presence of 2 mM dithiothreitol, sodium nitroprusside enhances the enzyme activation up to 26.5-fold. Addition of heme-containing proteins (hemoglobin or myoglobin) produces further stimulation of the enzyme--by 44% and 69%, respectively. Ion-exchange chromatography of rat myocardial 105000 x g supernatant by stepwise elution with 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer pH 7.6 containing 0.22 M NaCl revealed two protein peaks (I and II), of which only peak II possessed the guanylate cyclase activity. The spectrum of the 105000 x g supernatant had an absorption maximum at 415 nm (Soret band) which disappeared from the spectrum of the protein peak II but was detected in the inactive protein peak I. The guanylate cyclase preparation (peak II) lost its ability to be activated by sodium nitroprusside. All the attempts to reconstitute the nitroprusside-induced activation of the enzyme by adding the inactive protein peak I or the heme-containing proteins (hemoglobin or myoglobin) to peak II were unsuccessful. The possible mechanism of rat myocardial guanylate cyclase activation by sodium nitroprusside is discussed.

[Inhibition of human platelet aggregation by a new class of soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, generating nitric oxide]

Diacetidine-di-N-oxide derivatives have been found to be capable of generating nitric oxide (NO) non-enzymatically, via an entirely new mechanism--NO splitting at physiological pH. The effects of the synthesized compounds on the human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase activity and ADP-induced human platelet aggregation have been investigated. Four out of seven derivatives tested exhibited a distinct correlation between the intensity of platelet guanylate cyclase activation, inhibition of platelet aggregation and acceleration of their disaggregation. The ability of the compounds to be decomposed under the given experimental conditions with NO formation and the observed correlation between the amount of the NO formed and the intensity of guanylate cyclase activation suggest that the NO-dependent mechanism of guanylate cyclase activation and the intraplatelet cGMP accumulation are responsible for the antiaggregating/disaggregating properties of the compounds used. The data obtained suggest that 1.2-diacetidine-di-N-oxide derivatives may be regarded as antiaggregating agents of a new class.

Inhibition of ADP-induced human platelet aggregation by a new class of soluble guanylate cyclase activators capable of nitric oxide generation

Diazetidine-di-N-oxide derivatives have been found capable of the nonenzymatic generation of nitric oxide by a principally new mechanism of nitric oxide splitting at physiological pH values. The effect of the synthesized compounds on human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase activity and ADP-induced human platelets aggregation were studied. Four of 7 derivatives studied exhibited a distinct correlation between the intensity of platelet guanylate cyclase activation, inhibition of platelets aggregation and acceleration of their disaggregation. The NO-dependent mechanism of guanylate cyclase activation and intraplatelet cGMP accumulation are suggested to be responsible for antiaggregatory/disaggregatory properties of the compounds used. Data presented allow us to regard 1,2-diazetidine-di-N-oxide derivatives as antiaggregatory agents of a new class.

[A new class of soluble guanylate cyclase activators, generating nitric oxide]

Derivatives of diazetidine-di-N-oxides have been found capable nonenzymatic generation of nitric oxide by a principally new mechanism of nitric oxide splitting at physiological values of pH. The effects of the synthesized compounds on human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase activity have been studied. Four of seven derivatives exhibited a distinct correlation between the ability of being decomposed with nitric oxide formation and soluble guanylate cyclase activation. Among those, 3-bromo-4-methyl-3.4-tetramethylene-diazetidine-di-N-oxide proved to be the most effective activator, its spasmolytic effect being commensurate with the glyceryl trinitrate activity. The data obtained open up new opportunities for a search into new vasodilatory agents among compound whose chemical structure provides nitric oxide generation and guanylate cyclase activation in human tissues. Besides, they provide evidence that 1.2-diazetidine-1.2-di-N-oxide derivatives are perspective objects for creating new vasodilatory drugs.

[Soluble platelet guanylate cyclase: significance of heme in regulating enzymatic activity and the role of the enzyme in platelet aggregation]

The lability of the bond between the protein molecule of human platelet guanylate cyclase and heme (the prosthetic group of the enzyme) has been established. It was shown that soluble rat platelet guanylate cyclase exists in these cells originally in a heme-deficient form. The data obtained suggest that in contrast with the generally accepted view, heme is not the prosthetic group of this enzyme. The water-soluble antioxidant carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) inhibits the guanylate cyclase activation by sodium nitroprusside. This inhibitory effect is caused by carnosine interaction with the guanylate cyclase heme and can be used for evaluating the degree of the heme deficiency of the enzyme. Analysis of the mechanism of guanylate cyclase activation by nitroso complexes of some transient metals (Fe, Co, Cr) differing in the degree of NO oxidation demonstrated that the essential requirement for the realization of the hypotensive effect of these compounds is the activation of guanylate cyclase solely via a heme-dependent mechanism. The ADP-induced aggregation of human platelets (donors) is accompanied by enhanced stimulation of guanylate cyclase by various activators with a simultaneous increase in the intraplatelet cGMP level. This stimulation occurs irrespective of the involvement of the guanylate cyclase heme in the mechanism of enzyme regulation. It is concluded that guanylate cyclase acts via a negative feedback mechanism to control over platelet aggregation and mediates a signal to deaggregation. A hypothetic scheme for the regulatory role of cGMP in platelet aggregation is proposed.

Derivatives of 1,2-diazetidine-1,2-di-N-oxides--a new class of soluble guanylate cyclase activators with vasodilatory properties

Derivatives of diazetidine-di-N-oxides have been found capable of the nonenzymatic generation of nitric oxide by the principally new mechanism of the nitric oxide splitting at physiological pH values. The effect of the synthesized compounds on human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase activity as well as their spasmolytic and hypotensive action were studied. Four of 7 derivatives studied exhibited a distinct correlation between the ability of being decomposed with the nitric oxide formation, activation of soluble guanylate cyclase, and spasmolytic and antihypertensive activities. Among them, 3-brom, 4-methyl-3,4-tetramethylene-diazetidine-di-N-oxide has proved to be most effective, its spasmolytic effect being commensurable with glyceryl trinittrate activity. The revealed correlation allows us to regard 1,2-diazetidine-1,2-di-N-oxide derivatives as vasodilatory agents of a new class.

Increase in activating ability of human platelet guanylate cyclase during aggregation

The dynamics of changes in the stimulation of human platelet guanylate cyclase by some activators in aggregating platelets was studied. It was shown that ADP-induced aggregation of human platelets (donors) is accompanied by the enhancement of the intensity of guanylate cyclase activation by sodium nitroprusside, L-arginine, protoporphyrin IX and arachidonic acid and also by the increase in cGMP content. Immediately after the induction of aggregation the intensity of guanylate cyclase activation and cGMP content begin to increase. The rise reaches its maxima within several minutes, then followed by a fall to the initial level. The peaks of the enhanced capacity for guanylate cyclase activation by the above compounds coincide in time and intensity. On the basis of the proposed hypothetical scheme of cGMP action as a regulator of platelet aggregation a possible mechanism of enhancing the capacity of guanylate cyclase to be stimulated by various activators in aggregating platelets is suggested.

[The role of carnosine in the function of soluble of guanylate cyclase]

The effect of carnosine on activation of human platelet soluble guanylate cyclase has been studied in 105,000 g supernatants and partially purified haem-deficient enzyme preparations. In the 105,000 g supernatant carnosine (1 mM) inhibited (by about 70%) the enzyme activation caused by sodium nitroprusside. In partially purified haem-deficient guanylate cyclase preparations the inhibition of enzyme activation by sodium nitroprusside was 86%; further addition of carnosine had no effect on the enzyme activity. The strength of the activating effect of protoporphyrin IX on partially purified haem-deficient guanylate cyclase did not differ from that for the 105,000 g supernatant; this stimulating effect did not change after carnosine addition. A conclusion is drawn that the inhibiting effect of carnosine on the ability of guanylate cyclase to be activated by sodium nitroprusside is due to the dipeptide interaction with the guanylate cyclase haem.

Effect of nitroso complexes of some transition metals on the activity of soluble guanylate cyclase

Effects of nitroso complexes of some transition metals (Fe, Co, Cr), differing in the character of NO oxidation on the activity of human and rat platelet guanylate cyclase were studied. 3 types of nitroso complexes were used: (1) NO group carries a positive charge--a nitrosonium cation (Na2[FeNO + (CN)5]-nitroprusside); (2) NO is neutral--(K3[CrNO(CN)5 and [CoNO(NH3)5]SO4) and (3) NO is coordinated as anion NO- (K3[CoNO-(CN)5]. It is shown that the highest stimulatory effect is produced by sodium nitroprusside, whose activating action is due to the interaction of its NO group with the guanylate cyclase heme. Nitroso complexes (Co and Cr) the NO group of which is neutral stimulated guanylate cyclase activity insignificantly and this activation was not guanylate cyclase heme directed. Nitroso complex (Co) with NO coordinated as anion NO(-)--is a guanylate cyclase inhibitor. In contrast to nitroprusside, the nitroso complexes used (Co and Cr) have no hypotensive effect. It was concluded that the essential requirement for the realization of the hypotensive effect of transition metals' nitroso complexes is the ability of these compounds to activate soluble guanylate cyclase solely by the heme-dependent mechanism.

Soluble guanylate cyclase of platelets: Function and regulation in normal and pathological states

Chromatography of 105,000 x g supernatants of human and rat platelets on DEAE-cellulose yielded identical elution profiles containing 2 protein fractions (peaks I and II). Only peak II was found to possess guanylate cyclase activity. In the spectrum of the 105,000 x g supernatant of human platelets the absorption maximum was specified at 410 nm (the Soret band) which disappeared from the spectrum of the active protein fraction (peak II) but was detected in the nonactive fraction (peak I). The enzyme preparation was obtained in the heme-deficient form. In the experiments with rat platelets, the Soret band was absent from the corresponding spectra and the enzyme was not activated by sodium nitroprusside; i.e., in soluble guanylate cyclase of rat platelets, unlike the generally accepted notion, the heme is not a prosthetic group of the enzyme. It was shown that carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine), a water-soluble antioxidant, inhibits guanylate cyclase activation by sodium nitroprusside. This inhibitory effect is caused by the interaction of carnosine with the guanylate cyclase heme and can be used for evaluating the degree of saturation of the enzyme with the heme. ADP-induced aggregation of human platelets (donors) is accompanied by a fall in the basal guanylate cyclase activity (with Mg2+) and the enhancement of the enzyme stimulation with sodium nitroprusside, protoporphyrin IX, arachidonic acid and L-arginine with simultaneous cGMP elevation in platelets. A hypothetic scheme of the regulatory role of cGMP in platelet aggregation is proposed. In the experiments with the acute myocardial ischemia of rats, 15 min after the surgery a sharp fall in the platelet guanylate cyclase activity accompanied by a decrease in the enzyme activity in the ischemic zone of the left ventricle of heart took place. The results provided evidence of the high sensitivity of platelet guanylate cyclase to pathological changes occurring in the myocardium at the earliest stages of the development of pathology.

Increase in reactivity of human platelet guanylate cyclase during aggregation potentiates the disaggregating capacity of sodium nitroprusside

1. Basal and stimulated guanylate cyclase activity during ADP-induced human platelet aggregation in comparison with the actions of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on platelets was investigated. 2. Sodium nitroprusside exhibited both ex vivo and in vitro antiplatelet effects, as assessed by inhibition of subsequent ADP-induced aggregation in platelet-rich plasma. A strong correlation between decrease in aggregation and increase in platelet guanylate cyclase activity in the presence of SNP was obtained. 3. When SNP was administered after the induction of aggregation, it caused acceleration of disaggregation (in reversible aggregation) and produced disaggregation (under conditions of otherwise irreversible aggregation) which was time-dependent. 4. Platelet aggregation was accompanied by a transient increase in platelet cyclic GMP content and guanylate cyclase activation by the nitric oxide (NO) donor SNP. Changes in guanylate cyclase activity were haem-associated and probably reflected saturation of enzyme by haem. 5. Maximal SNP disaggregating effect coincided with peak guanylate cyclase responsiveness to SNP. 6. The present investigation provides evidence that increased responsiveness of platelet guanylate cyclase to NO during aggregation facilitates disaggregation in the presence of SNP. Thus, availability of NO (endogenous or exogenous) at sites of incipient platelet aggregation in vivo may play a pivotal role regarding limitation of this process.

Role of heme in the regulation of human and rat platelet soluble guanylate cyclases

The chromatography of soluble human and rat platelet guanylate cyclases (105000 g supernatants) on DEAE-cellulose in 50 mM Tris HCl buffer, containing 0.22 M NaCl, has yielded virtually identical elution profiles, each with two protein peaks (I and II). Only peak II was found to have guanylate cyclase activity. Experiments with human platelets showed that inactive protein peak I inhibited the activity of guanylate cyclase preparation (peak II) and restored the already lost ability of the enzyme to be activated by sodium nitroprusside. In experiments with rat platelets, inactive fraction I had no effect on guanylate cyclase activity (peak II), and the enzyme was not activated by sodium nitroprusside either before or after DEAE-cellulose. 105000g supernatant of human platelets had an absorbance maximum at 415 nm (Soret band), which disappeared from the spectrum of the active fraction (II) but was found in the spectrum of the inactive (inhibitory) fraction I. Experiments with rat platelets demonstrated the absence of Soret band in the corresponding spectra. It was concluded that, contrary to the generally accepted notion, heme is not a prosthetic group of the soluble rat platelet guanylate cyclase.

[Changes in the guanylate cyclase activity of human thrombocytes during ADP-inducible aggregation]

Activity of guanylate cyclase (GC) and its capacity for sodium nitroprusside (SNP) activation were determined in platelets with different state of aggregation. The development of ADP-induced reversible aggregation was accompanied by a decrease in the basal GC activity and by an increase in the SNP activation of GC. It was shown that elevation of GC sensitivity to SNP during the aggregation might be due to the decrease in the state of enzyme blood deficiency. Preincubation of platelets with SNP before ADP adding markedly diminished or even prevented aggregation, depending on SNP concentration. GC parameters in platelets with prevented aggregation were just the same as in control. It is suggested that the regulatory role of cGMP system in platelet aggregation may be seen in the increase in GC sensitivity to endogenous activator, presumably to NO.