Blockade of tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis protects neurons after transient forebrain ischemia in rat: a novel role for the cofactor

The generation of nitric oxide (NO) aggravates neuronal injury. (6R)-5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-L-biopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor in the synthesis of NO by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). We attempted to attenuate neuron degeneration by blocking the synthesis of the cofactor BH4 using N-acetyl-3-O-methyldopamine (NAMDA). In vitro data demonstrate that NAMDA inhibited GTP cyclohydrolase I, the rate-limiting enzyme for BH4 biosynthesis, and reduced nitrite accumulation, an oxidative metabolite of NO, without directly inhibiting NOS activity. Animals exposed to transient forebrain ischemia and treated with NAMDA demonstrated marked reductions in ischemia-induced BH4 levels, NADPH-diaphorase activity, and caspase-3 gene expression in the CA1 hippocampus. Moreover, delayed neuronal injury in the CA1 hippocampal region was significantly attenuated by NAMDA. For the first time, these data demonstrate that a cofactor, BH4, plays a significant role in the generation of ischemic neuronal death, and that blockade of BH4 biosynthesis may provide novel strategies for neuroprotection.

Binding and reactivity of Candida albicans estrogen binding protein with steroid and other substrates

In this report recombinant estrogen binding protein (EBP1), isolated originally from Candida albicans as a result of its high affinity for 17beta-estradiol, has been purified extensively using a modified affinity purification scheme originally developed for a homolog of EBP1, old yellow enzyme (OYE). It is shown that like OYE, the protein binds a variety of compounds with a phenolic structure, including 17beta-estradiol, and compounds with an alpha, beta-unsaturated keto or aldehyde structure. In addition, EBP1 exhibits an NADPH oxidoreductase activity, transferring electrons from NADPH to all alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones and aldehydes tested via the tightly bound FMN cofactor. Analysis of the steady-state kinetics of these reactions indicate a tetra uni ping-pong mechanism. Inhibition of the steady-state reaction by 17beta-estradiol gives a Ki = 10 +/- 2 nM, and indicates exclusive binding of this steroid to the enzyme in its oxidized state. In contrast, 19-nortestosterone binds to both oxidized and reduced forms of the enzyme with dissociation constants of 600 +/- 100 and 650 +/- 90 nM, respectively. EBP1 also catalyzes a disproportionation reaction with certain compounds, in which two molecules of a cylic alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone, including the steroid 19-nortestosterone, are individually aromatized and reduced to the corresponding saturated ketone. Despite the extensive similarity in sequence and enzymic activity, notable differences between EBP1 and the OYE family of proteins exist with regard to the binding behavior and reactivity with the two steroids tested here, estradiol and 19-nortestosterone.

Induction of NADPH-diaphorase activity in the forebrain in a model of intracerebral hemorrhage and its inhibition by the traditional Chinese medicine complex Nao Yi An

Induction of NADPH-diaphorase (NDP) activity in the rat cerebral cortex was studied after autologous blood injection into the internal capsule as experimental model of intracerebral hemorrhage. The potential inhibitory effect on NDP induction by Nao Yi An (NYA), a complex derived from materials of animal and plant origin used in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage in traditional Chinese medicine, was also investigated. In animals without therapeutic treatment 2 and 4 days after injection of autologous blood, NDP activity was highly induced in pyramidal neurons in the neocortex, piriform, and entorhinal cortices, in astrocytes and in phagocytes in the hematoma and the area surrounding it, as well as in the subcortical white matter, and in endothelial cells in both the cortex and subcortical white matter bilaterally. Oral administration of NYA failed to inhibit NDP induction in endothelial cells but demonstrated a strong inhibitory effect on NDP activity induced in pyramidal neurons and astrocytes. NDP induction in phagocytes was also inhibited by the administration of NYA. Altogether the present results suggest that intracerebral hemorrhage in the internal capsule may induce nitric oxide synthase activity in different cell populations in the cortex and that administration of NYA can selectively inhibit such induction and, thus, potentially play a neuroprotective role.

Nitric oxide synthase, cGMP, and NO-mediated cGMP production in the olfactory bulb of the rat

High levels of nitric oxide synthase and cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the olfactory bulb suggest that nitric oxide, acting as a diffusible intercellular messenger molecule inducing increased synthesis of cGMP, plays an important role in olfaction. The localization of cGMP after sodium nitroprusside stimulation of in vitro slices of rat olfactory bulb was compared with the distribution of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatediaphorase, nitric oxide synthase, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. cGMP was detected immunohistochemically in cryostat sections. In the presence of the phosphodiesterase blocker isobutyl methylxanthine, cGMP was present in neurons in the glomerular layer, axons in the external and internal plexiform layers, and in a few somata and axons of the granule cell layer. This staining was blocked by NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester hydrochloride or hemoglobin. After sodium nitroprusside stimulation, the olfactory nerve layer was intensely stained, as were the glomeruli and periglomerular cells. In the external plexiform layer, axonal staining was increased substantially, and there were occasional multipolar cGMP-positive neurons. In the internal plexiform and granule cell layers, axonal staining was greatly increased. Many granule cells were also cGMP positive after sodium nitroprusside stimulation. cGMP and nitric oxide synthase-positive neuronal elements overlapped in the glomerular and granule cell layers, but staining was not colocalized, cGMP was not found in astrocytes. The glutamatergic antagonists D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline caused differential inhibition of cGMP accumulation in layers of the olfactory bulb. These findings support the hypothesis that nitric oxide is an intercellular messenger in the olfactory bulb (Breer and Shepherd [1993] Trends Neurosci. 16:5-9).

Development of NADPH-diaphorase in the avian retina: regulation by calcium ions and relation to nitric oxide synthase

Nitric oxide plays an important role as an intercellular messenger in the CNS. In the present work we measured NADPH-diaphorase activity, which is considered to be a marker of cells producing nitric oxide, in homogenates of the developing chick retina. The enzyme activity can be detected beginning in 8-day-old embryonic retinas with no further quantitative variations throughout development. Arginine analogues inhibit approximately 65% of the activity in embryonic retinas and 50% in posthatched retinas. The enzyme is stimulated 50% by 2 mM calcium chloride in retinas from 8 to 14 embryonic days, but this effect decreases to 20% in 17-day embryonic retinas and practically disappears in posthatched animals. The stimulation by calcium is completely blocked by arginine analogues. The decrease in enzyme activity at posthatched retinas is not due to stimulation by endogenous calcium or the presence of insufficient amounts of calmodulin, because addition of EGTA or calmodulin, respectively, did not restore the stimulation to levels observed at embryonic stages. Inhibition of NADPH-diaphorase activity by NG-nitro-L-arginine or L-NG-(iminoethyl) ornithine is concentration dependent with IC50 values of approximately 1 mM at all stages studied. However, in the presence of calcium, the inhibition by both analogues is shifted to the left and is apparently biphasic at all developmental stages, including in posthatched animals, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. NADPH-diaphorase was also detected by histochemistry in specific groups of cells in the early embryonic retina and in subsets of amacrine and ganglion cells, as well as in photoreceptors, in more developed retinas. The results indicate that different isoforms of nitric oxide synthase are present in the chick retina and that a calcium-dependent isoform is predominant in early periods of development.

[The effect of L-arginine on the NADPH-diaphorase activity in Drosophila melanogaster homogenates]

It was shown that L-arginine (up to 0.5 mM) competitively inhibits the NADPH-diaphorase activity in drosophila melanogaster. The value of inhibition constant is equal to 103 microM. In the presence of higher concentration of L-arginine total NADPH-diaphorase activity includes not only the L-arginine inhibited component, but also the non-inhibited one.

Direct evidence for the presence of two external NAD(P)H dehydrogenases coupled to the electron transport chain in plant mitochondria

Exogenous NADPH oxidation by purified mitochondria from both potato tuber and Arum maculatum spadix was completely and irreversibly inhibited by sub-micromolar diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), while exogenous NADH oxidation was inhibited to only a small degree. Addition of DPI caused the collapse of the membrane potential generated by NADPH oxidation, while the potential generated by NADH was unaffected. We conclude that there are two distinct enzymes on the outer surface of the inner membrane of plant mitochondria, one specific for NADH, the other relatively specific for NADPH, with both enzymes linked to the electron transport chain.

Protection against ischemic injury by nonvasoactive concentrations of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors in the perfused rabbit heart

BACKGROUND

The functional and metabolic effects of inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) synthase on ischemic hearts have not been investigated. This work was designed to perform such a study in isolated perfused rabbit hearts submitted to low-flow ischemia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After a 30-minute equilibration period, the hearts were submitted to low-flow ischemia for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion for 30 minutes. Functional and metabolic parameters were followed in hearts perfused with or without inhibitors of NO synthase or NO precursors, which were added 15 minutes before ischemia but were absent during reperfusion. Ischemic contracture was delayed and reduced in hearts perfused with 1 mumol/L L-N-monomethylarginine (L-NMMA) or 1 mumol/L L-N-arginine methylester, two inhibitors of NO synthase, but not with D-N-monomethylarginine, the inactive enantiomer of L-NMMA. The protection was suppressed by addition to the perfusate containing L-NMMA of 1 mmol/L L-arginine or 0.1 mmol/L sodium nitroprusside but not by addition of 10 mumol/L 8-bromo cGMP, a cGMP analogue. The functional protection by 1 mumol/L L-NMMA was related to a stimulation of glycolysis from exogenous glucose and a preservation of the glycogen stores. This resulted in a better maintenance of high-energy phosphates and a lower acidosis as measured by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. During reperfusion, functional recovery was more than doubled, and enzyme release was halved in L-NMMA-treated hearts compared with controls. The functional and metabolic protection was maximal at 1 nmol/L to 1 mumol/L L-NMMA, ie, below the vasoactive concentrations of the inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonvasoactive concentrations of NO synthase inhibitors protect the heart against ischemic damage; this relates to a stimulation of glycolysis from exogenous glucose.

The toxicity of aromatic nitrocompounds to bovine leukemia virus-transformed fibroblasts: the role of single-electron reduction

Bovine leukemia virus-transformed lamb embryo fibroblasts (line FLK) possess activity of DT-diaphorase of ca. 260 U/mg protein and similar levels of other NADP(H)-oxidizing enzymes: NADH:oxidase, 359 U/mg; NADPH:oxidase, 43 U/mg; NADH:cytochrome-c reductase, 141 U/mg; NADPH:cytochrome-c reductase, 43 U/mg. In general, the toxicity of aromatic nitrocompounds towards FLK cells increases on increase of single-electron reduction potentials (E1(1)) of nitrocompounds or the log of their reduction rate constants by single-electron-transferring enzymes, microsomal NADPH:cytochrome P-450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4) and mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone reductase (EC 1.6.99.3). No correlation between the toxicity and reduction rate of nitrocompounds by rat liver DT-diaphorase (EC 1.6.99.2) was observed. The toxicity is not significantly affected by dicumarol, an inhibitor of DT-diaphorase. Nitrocompounds examined were poor substrates for DT-diaphorase, being 10(4) times less active than menadione. Their poor reactivity is most probably determined by their preferential binding to a NADPH binding site, but not to menadione binding site of diaphorase. These data indicate that at comparable activities of DT-diaphorase and single-electron-transferring NAD(P)H dehydrogenases in the cell, the toxicity of nitrocompounds will be determined mainly by their single-electron reduction reactions.

Effects of methylene blue and LY83583 on neuronal nitric oxide synthase and NADPH-diaphorase

Methylene blue and 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583) have often been used as 'selective' inhibitors of soluble guanylyl cyclase. We report that in in vitro assays, both these compounds were potent inhibitors of rat cerebellar nitric oxide synthase activity. Methylene blue had an apparent Ki of 2.7 microM, while for LY83583 the Ki was 15.8 microM. Furthermore, methylene blue, but not LY83583, inhibited the NADPH-diaphorase histochemical reaction associated with nitric oxide synthase. Our results indicate that many of the effects of these drugs which have been attributed to inhibition of guanylyl cyclase, may derive from their direct inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity instead.

Acute and chronic effects of cigarette smoking on exhaled nitric oxide

Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of respiratory tract infections, chronic airway disease, and cardiovascular diseases, all of which may be modulated by endogenous nitric oxide (NO). We have investigated whether cigarette smoking reduces the production of endogenous NO. We compared exhalations of 41 current cigarette smokers with normal lung function and 73 age-matched non-smoking controls. Peak exhaled NO levels were measured by a modified chemiluminescence analyzer. The effects of inhaling a single cigarette in smokers were also measured. In control subjects we also measured the effects of inhalation of NO itself and carbon monoxide, both constituents of tobacco smoke. Peak exhaled NO concentrations were significantly reduced in smokers (42 +/- 3.9 compared with 88 +/- 2.7 parts per billion in nonsmokers, p < 0.01), with a significant relation between the exhaled NO and cigarette consumption (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). Smoking a single cigarette also significantly (p < 0.02), but transiently, reduced exhaled NO. Inhalation of carbon monoxide and NO had no effect on exhaled NO in normal subjects. Cigarette smoking decreased exhaled NO, suggesting that it may inhibit the enzyme NO synthase. Since endogenous NO is important in defending the respiratory tract against infection, in counteracting bronchoconstriction and vasoconstriction, and in inhibiting platelet aggregation, this effect may contribute to the increased risks of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disease in cigarette smokers.

Effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on myocardial capillary permeability and reactive hyperaemic response

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to examine the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the myocardial microcirculation.

METHODS

Open chest anaesthetised dogs received intracoronary infusion of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 0.5 mg.kg-1 over 30 min). Myocardial microvascular extraction fraction of a small hydrophilic solute (technetium 99m labelled diethylenetriaminepenta-acetate [99mTc-DTPA]), and the regional myocardial plasma flow rate, were determined by the single injection, residue detection method, and the capillary permeability-surface area product was calculated. The tone in intramyocardial resistance vessels was assessed by the local 133Xe washout method during baseline conditions, in response to intracoronary acetylcholine, and during peak reactive hyperaemia after 10 s or 30 s of myocardial ischaemia, respectively.

RESULTS

In eight open chest dogs, L-NMMA attenuated the increase in myocardial plasma flow rate in response to intracoronary acetylcholine by 32(SEM 7)%, but failed to alter baseline myocardial plasma flow rate significantly, as determined by the local 133Xe washout method. L-NMMA did not influence myocardial microvascular permeability to 99mTc-DTPA. However, intracoronary L-NMMA decreased the peak reactive hyperaemic myocardial plasma flow rate after 10 s, but not 30 s, of coronary occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

In open chest dogs, microvascular NO synthesis is not a major determinant of baseline myocardial plasma flow rate, and does not appear to influence myocardial microvascular permeability significantly. In this model, NO intervenes in the regulation of the peak reactive hyperaemic plasma flow rate following brief, but not more prolonged, periods of coronary occlusion.

L-NNA inhibits the histochemical NADPH-d reaction in rat spinal cord neurons

In nerve tissue the histochemical nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) reaction is considered a suitable marker for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. We have previously shown that the NOS-specific inhibitor L-nitroarginine (L-NNA) can block NADPH-d staining in intermediolateral (IML) neurons of the rat spinal cord: such a reaction might serve as a control for the presence of a NOS-related catalytic activity, i.e., L-NNA-dependent NO synthesis in these neurons. However, L-NNA inhibition of neuronal NADPH-d is inconsistent and is therefore disputed by others. This prompted us to reinvestigate the reaction conditions to provide a standardized protocol for inhibition experiments. In IML neurons of formaldehyde-fixed spinal cord tissue, inhibition of NADPH-d reaction was tested by preincubation of frozen sections with the flavin-binder diphenylene iodonium chloride (DPI, 10 microM-1 mM) which blocked the NADPH-d reaction in a concentration-dependent way, suggesting an inverse relationship of inhibitor concentration and final reaction product generated. Preincubation with the NOS-specific inhibitor L-NNA in glycine-NaOH buffer (pH 8.5-9.5) but not L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) revealed a concentration-dependent blocking effect on neuronal NADPH-d comparable to the effects seen with DPI, suggesting the existence of a L-NNA sensitive NADPH-d activity. Blocking with L-NNA (100 microM-10 mM) was prevented by excess L-arginine (10-100 mM), suggesting competitive binding sites. NADPH-d staining was not inhibited by 7-nitro indazole, another NOS inhibitor. Thus, in formaldehyde-fixed nervous tissue both DPI and L-NNA inhibit the NOS-associated catalytic NADPH-d activity, thereby preventing NADPH-dependent conversion of nitroblue tetrazolium to formazan.

Oxidized lipoproteins induce long-lasting inhibition of nitric oxide synthase from a murine endothelioma cell line (bEnd.4)

BACKGROUND

The vascular endothelium produces nitric oxide, which has vasodilatory properties. It has been postulated that some lipoproteins may increase arterial vascular tone by decreasing the availability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide. The mechanism underlying this effect, however, is still poorly understood.

METHODS

We investigated the effect of native and oxidized human low- and high-density lipoproteins on the nitric oxide synthetic activity of an endothelioma cell line (bEnd.4). Oxidized lipoproteins were obtained by incubation with CuSO4. The production of nitric oxide by the cells was monitored by quantifying the nitrite concentration in the medium using Greiss reagent.

RESULTS

The synthesis of nitric oxide by the bEnd.4 cell line was calcium-dependent and was abolished by a selective inhibitor of the constitutive nitric oxide synthase. Incubation with oxidized lipoproteins caused a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of nitric oxide synthetic activity. At a concentration of 100 micrograms/ml cholesterol, oxidized low- and high-density lipoproteins inhibited the production of nitric oxide by 27 and 51%, respectively, within 6h. The lipid fraction obtained from the native or the oxidized lipoproteins mimicked the effect of the intact lipoproteins.

CONCLUSION

These results support the involvement of oxidized lipoproteins in the modulation of endothelial functions relevant to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.

Aminoguanidine attenuates the delayed circulatory failure and improves survival in rodent models of endotoxic shock

1. We have investigated the effects of aminoguanidine, a relatively selective inhibitor of the cytokine-inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), on the delayed circulatory failure, vascular hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictor agents, and iNOS activity in a rat model of circulatory shock induced by bacterial endotoxin (E. coli lipopolysaccharide; LPS). In addition, we have evaluated the effect of aminoguanidine on the 24 h survival rate in a murine model of endotoxaemia. 2. Male Wistar rats were anaesthetized and instrumented for the measurement of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). Injection of LPS (10 mg kg-1, i.v.) resulted in a fall in MAP from 115 +/- 4 mmHg (time 0, control) to 79 +/- 9 mmHg at 180 min (P < 0.05, n = 10). The pressor effect of noradrenaline (NA, 1 microgram kg-1, i.v.) was also significantly reduced at 60, 120 and 180 min after LPS injection. In contrast, animals pretreated with aminoguanidine (15 mg kg-1, i.v., 20 min prior to LPS injection) maintained a significantly higher MAP (at 180 min, 102 +/- 3 mmHg, n = 10, P < 0.05) when compared to rats given only LPS (LPS-rats). Cumulative administration of aminoguanidine (15 mg kg-1 and 45 mg kg-1) given 180 min after LPS caused a dose-related increase in MAP and reversed the hypotension. Aminoguanidine also significantly alleviated the reduction of the pressor response to NA: indeed, at 180 min, the pressor response returned to normal in aminoguanidine pretreated LPS-rats. 3. Thoracic aortae obtained from rats at 180 min after LPS showed a significant reduction in the contractile responses elicited by NA (10-9- 10-6 M). Pretreatment with aminoguanidine (15 mg kg- 1, i.v.,at 20 min prior to LPS) significantly prevented this LPS-induced hyporeactivity to NA ex vivo.4. Endotoxaemia for 180 min resulted in a significant increase in iNOS activity in the lung from 0.6 +/- 0.2 pmol mg-1 min-1 (control, n = 4) to 4.8 +/- 0.3 pmol mg-1 min-1 (P<0.05, n = 6). In LPS-rats treated with aminoguanidine, iNOS activity in the lung was attenuated by 44+/- 5% (n = 6, P <0.05).Moreover, when added in vitro to lung homogenates obtained from LPS-rats, aminoguanidine and N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10-8 to 10-3 M) caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of iNOS activity (n = 3-6, IC50: 30 +/- 12 and 11 +/- 6pEM, respectively P>0.05). In contrast,aminoguanidine was a less potent inhibitor than L-NAME of the constitutive nitric oxide synthase in rat brain homogenates (n = 3-6, IC50 is 140 +/- 10 and 0.6 +/- 0.1 I1M, respectively, P<0.05). In addition, the inhibitory effect of aminoguanidine on iNOS activity showed a slower onset than that of L-NAME(maximal inhibition at 90 min and 30 min, respectively).5. Treatment of conscious Swiss albino (T/O) mice with a high dose of endotoxin (60 mg kg-1, i.p.)resulted in a survival rate of only 8% at 24 h (n = 12). However, therapeutic application of aminoguanidine (15 mg kg-1, i.p. at 2 h and 6 h after LPS) increased the 24 h survival rate to 75%(n = 8), whereas L-NAME (3 mg kg-1, i.p. at 2 h and 6 h after LPS) did not affect the survival rate(11%, n=9).6 Thus, aminoguanidine inhibits iNOS activity and attenuates the delayed circulatory failure caused by endotoxic shock in the rat and improves survival in a murine model of endotoxaemia. Aminoguanidine,or novel, more potent selective inhibitors of iNOS may be useful in the therapy of septic shock.

Assessment of renal dopaminergic system activity in the nitric oxide-deprived hypertensive rat model

1. The present paper reports changes in the urinary excretion of dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and amine metabolites in nitric oxide deprived hypertensive rats during long-term administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD) activity in renal tissues and the ability of newly-formed dopamine to leave the cellular compartment where the synthesis of the amine has occurred were also determined. 2. Twenty four hours after exposure to L-NAME, both systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were increased by 20 mmHg; heart rate was slightly decreased. During the next 13 days both SBP and DBP increased progressively reaching 170 +/- 3 and 116 +/- 3 mmHg, respectively. 3. Baseline urinary excretion of L-DOPA, dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) and homovanillic acid (HVA) during the 4 day period of stabilization averaged 4.4 +/- 0.5, 13.8 +/- 0.3, 37.4 +/- 0.8, 180.0 +/- 2.7 and 206.1 +/- 6.7 nmol day-1, respectively. The urinary excretion of L-DOPA, dopamine and DOPAC, but not that of 3-MT and HVA, were increased from day 6-8 of L-NAME administration onwards (L-DOPA, up to 13.4 +/- 2.1; dopamine, up to 23.0 +/- 1.6; DOPAC, up to 62.8 +/- 3.7 nmol day-1). Baseline daily urinary excretion of 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) averaged 73.5 +/- 1.1 and 241.7 +/- 5.4 nmol day-1, respectively. During the first week of L-NAME administration, the urinary excretion of both 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-HIAA did not change significantly; however, as was found with dopamine and DOPAC, changes in the urinary excretion of 5-hydroxytryptamine were evident during the second week of L-NAME administration. 4. In experiments performed on homogenates of isolated renal tubules, the decarboxylation of L-DOPA to dopamine was dependent on the concentration of L-DOPA used (10 to 5000 microM) and saturable at 1000 microM. AAAD activity as determined in homogenates (Vmax, in nmol mg-1 protein h-1; Km in microM) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in rats given L-NAME for 14 days (Vmax = 25 +/- 2; Km = 72 +/- 10) than in control rats (Vmax = 14 +/- 1; Km = 63 +/- 7), rats given L-NAME for 7 days (Vmax = 15 +/- 1; Km = 69 +/- 5) and rats given L-NAME plus L-arginine (Vmax = 13 +/- 1; Km = 60 +/- 3) for 14 days. 5. A considerable amount of the total dopamine formed from added L-DOPA in kidney slices escaped into the incubation medium. The application of the Michaelis-Menten equation to the net transport of newly-formed dopamine allowed the identification of a saturable (carrier-mediated transfer) and a non-saturable component (diffusion). No significant differences in the diffusional rate of transfer(0.14 +/- 0.02 micro mol-1) were observed between the four experimental groups. However, the saturable outward transfer of dopamine (Vmax, in micromol mg-1 protein h-1; Km in microM) was higher in control animals(Vmax= 2.3 +/- 0.2; Km = 568 +/- 67) than that in rats treated with L-NAME for 14 days (Vmax = 0.8 +/- 0.02;Km = 241 +/- 21), but similar to that observed in rats receiving L-NAME plus L-arginine (Vmax= 2.4+/- 0.2; Km= 618 +/- 61); the saturable dopamine outward rate of transfer in rats given L-NAME for 7days (Vmax = 3.9 +/- 0.2; Km = 1006 +/- 32) was higher than in controls.6. In conclusion, the present studies show that the hypertensive response resulting from the long-term administration of L-NAME is accompanied by an increased urinary excretion of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine, which appears to follow an enhanced activity of renal AAAD. The observation that the increased AAAD activity can be reversed by the administration of L-arginine to L-NAME treated rats favours the view that the adaptational response which results in an enhanced AAAD activity probably involves a decrease in the generation of nitric oxide.

Antioxidative properties of alcoholic extracts from Fraxinus excelsior, Populus tremula and Solidago virgaurea

Aqueous-ethanolic extracts from Fraxinus excelsior, Populus tremula and Solidago virgaurea inhibit biochemical model reactions representing inflammatory situations to various extents. These model reactions include xanthine oxidase, diaphorase in the presence of the autoxidizable quinone juglone, lipoxygenase and photodynamic reactions driven by riboflavin or rose bengal. The tested extracts are the components of the phytomedicine Phytodolor N (abbreviated as PD) which possesses antipyretic, analgesic, antiinflammatory and antirheumatic activity. Since several reactive oxygen species produced by the mentioned model systems are also involved in inflammatory processes, the beneficial activities of the complete drug may at least in part be due to the reported antioxidative functions of the individual components.

Nitric oxide promotes arteriolar dilation during cortical spreading depression in rabbits

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pial arterioles transiently dilate during cortical spreading depression (CSD), although the mechanisms are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that increased production of nitric oxide (NO) promotes arteriolar dilation.

METHODS

Urethane-anesthetized rabbits were equipped with cranial windows, and the diameter (reported in micrometers) of a pial arteriole was determined via intravital microscopy. In each rabbit, a baseline CSD was elicited by microapplication of KCl onto the cortex, and resultant pial arteriolar dilation was measured. Either 100 mumol/L N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 50 mumol/L NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), both competitive NO synthase inhibitors, was then applied to the brain surface. A CSD was elicited as before. The L-NAME and L-NA were then removed by artificial cerebrospinal fluid washes. An additional CSD was induced with KCl as before.

RESULTS

Control CSD in the L-NAME group dilated pial arterioles; baseline diameter, 66 +/- 7 mm, with CSD = 106 +/- 8 mm (59% increase). After topically applied L-NAME, CSD dilated pial arterioles less: baseline diameter, 61 +/- 7 mm, with CSD = 77 +/- 6 mm (26% increase), P < .05 compared with control CSD diameter. Topical L-NA had similar effects on CSD: control CSD dilated pial arterioles 51%; after topical L-NA, only 14% (P < .05). After removal of L-NAME or L-NA, CSD-induced pial arteriolar dilation was similar to original control values.

CONCLUSIONS

The reversible inhibition of CSD-induced pial arteriolar dilation by either L-NAME or L-NA suggests that NO contributes to arteriolar dilation observed with CSD.

Nerve-mediated nitric oxide production by opossum lower esophageal sphincter

Antagonists of nitric oxide synthesis inhibit nerve-induced hyperpolarization and relaxation of muscle from the opossum lower esophageal sphincter. These studies test the hypothesis that nitric oxide is released during stimulation of intrinsic esophageal nerves. The intrinsic nerves were stimulated with an electrical field (10-sec trains of 1-msec, 30-V pulses delivered at 10 Hz). Nitric oxide production was measured with a DASIBI model 2108 Chemiluminescence NO Analyzer. NG-Nitro-L-arginine, an inhibitor of NO synthase, antagonized nerve-induced relaxation the lower esophageal sphincter. Nerve stimulation increased NO production from 0.50 +/- 0.04 nmol/min/100 mg tissue to 0.87 +/- 0.07 nmol/min/100 mg tissue (P < 0.01). NG-nitro-L-arginine inhibited both basal (0.030 +/- 0.09 nmol/min/100 mg tissue, P < 0.05 vs baseline) and stimulated (0.38 +/- 0.10 nmol/min/100 mg tissue, P < 0.01 vs stimulated). These studies support the hypothesis that nerve stimulation releases nitric oxide from the lower esophageal sphincter.

Effects of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor on vasopressin and atrial natriuretic hormone release, thermogenesis and cardiovascular functions in response to interleukin-1 beta in rats

To assess whether nitric oxide (NO) formed by IL-1 beta affects vasopressin (AVP) and atrial natriuretic hormone (ANH) release and the regulation of blood pressure and body temperature, intravenous infusion of either N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) alone (50 micrograms/kg.body weight.min for 135 min), human recombinant interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) alone (750 ng/kg.body weight.min for 120 min), or L-NAME (50 micrograms/kg.body weight.min for 135 min) with IL-1 beta (750 ng/kg.body weight.min for 120 min), was performed following priming doses of L-NAME (2 mg/kg.body weight) and IL-1 beta (7.5 micrograms/kg.body weight) into conscious rats (n = 6 each). In the control group, saline alone was administered. Plasma AVP and ANH, mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), heart rate (HR) and rectal temperature (RT) were determined. In response to L-NAME, plasma AVP significantly increased, but plasma ANH did not change, despite increases in MABP and decreases in HR. In response to IL-1 beta, both plasma AVP and ANH increased with decreases in MABP and RT without any changes in HR. With L-NAME and IL-1 beta, both plasma AVP and ANH increased, and depressor response to IL-1 beta was partly attenuated by L-NAME, without any changes in RT. With saline alone, none of these parameters changed during the study. These results suggest that NO may directly affect the release of AVP and ANH and the regulation of body temperature and blood pressure, but NO formed by IL-1 beta may not have direct effects on the release of these hormones, and the regulation of blood pressure and temperature.

Effects of flavonoid compounds on the activity of NADPH diaphorase prepared from the mouse brain

The effects of flavonoids on NADPH diaphorase activity were studied in vitro, and we found that the enzyme activity was markedly inhibited by quercetin. This inhibitory action was shown to be accompanied by an increase in the apparent Km value of the enzyme for the cofactor NADPH, with a decrease in the Vmax, and an increase in the apparent Km for the substrate nitro blue tetrazolium, without any significant change in the Vmax. These results indicate that quercetin may directly inhibit NADPH diaphorase, thus suggesting the possibility that this compound may be able to inhibit the production of nitric oxide in the brain.

Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors improve skin flap survival in the rat

The ability of nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors to reduce ischemia-induced skin flap necrosis was assessed using a modified McFarlane flap in the rat. Flap survival was significantly improved in L-NIO treated (86 +/- 2%), L-NAME-treated (84 +/- 2%), and aminoguanidine-treated (76 +/- 2%) animals compared to the saline-treated group (54 +/- 2%), P < 0.005. Inhibition of NO synthase significantly decreased the hyperemia and edema within the flaps at 24 hours post-elevation. These findings suggest that endogenous NO production contributes to ischemic necrosis and that inhibition of NO synthase may prove useful in extending survival of tissues subjected to ischemia.

Nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, nitro-iminoethyl-L-ornithine, reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbit skeletal muscle

Nitric oxide (NO), originally identified as the mediator of endothelial-dependent relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, is now known to also have cytotoxic effects under certain conditions. Thus, we have investigated the effects of inhibition of NO synthesis on ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rabbit rectus femoris muscle. Three and a half hours of ischemia and 24 hours of reperfusion resulted in a 56% loss of viability. In muscles receiving an infusion of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NIO (30 microM), the loss of viability was reduced to 15%. Post-ischemic blood flow was increased in muscles receiving a saline infusion, whereas there was a marked decrease in blood flow for at least the first 60 minutes of reperfusion in muscles treated with L-NIO (30 microM). The increase in myeloperoxidase levels (indicative of neutrophil accumulation) following 24 hours of reperfusion was attenuated with L-NIO infusion by approximately 50% and the reperfusion-induced edema was also attenuated in L-NIO treated muscle. These findings suggest that endogenous NO production during ischemia/reperfusion injury may be deleterious to muscle survival.

An inducible NADP(+)-dependent D-phenylserine dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas syringae NK-15: purification and biochemical characterization

An inducible NADP(+)-dependent D-phenylserine dehydrogenase [EC 1.1.1.-], which catalyzes the oxidation of the hydroxyl group of D-threo-beta-phenylserine, was purified to homogeneity from a crude extract of Pseudomonas syringae NK-15 isolated from soil. The enzyme consisted of two subunits identical in molecular weight (about 31,000). In addition to D-threo-beta-phenylserine, it utilized D-threo-beta-thienylserine, D-threo-beta-hydroxynorvaline, and D-threonine as substrates but was inert towards other isomers of beta-phenylserine and threonine. It showed maximal activity at pH 10.4 for the oxidation of D-threo-beta-phenylserine, and it required NADP+ as a natural coenzyme. NAD+ showed a slight coenzyme activity. The enzyme was inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate, HgCl2, and monoiodoacetate but not by the organic acids such as tartronate. The Michaelis constants for D-threo-beta-phenylserine and NADP+ were 0.44 mM and 29 microM, respectively. The N-terminal 27 amino acids sequence was determined. It suggested that the NADP(+)-binding site was located in the N-terminal region of the enzyme.