Chemical oxidation of N-hydroxyguanidine compounds. Release of nitric oxide, nitroxyl and possible relationship to the mechanism of biological nitric oxide generation

Aromatic N-hydroxyguanidines as new reduction cosubstrates for dopamine β-hydroxylase

Conversion of neurotransmitter dopamine into norepinephrine is catalyzed by dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DbH). The reaction requires the presence of both molecular oxygen and a reducing cosubstrate, the assumed physiological cosubstrate being ascorbic acid. We have investigated the ability of a new family of molecules, N-aryl-N'-hydroxyguanidines, to serve as cosubstrates for DbH. N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-N'-hydroxyguanidine proved to be an efficient reducing agent for DbH. The complete N-hydroxyguanidine moiety was required for activity, as any modification of this function resulted in non-cosubstrate compounds. Moreover, analysis of the products formed from N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N'-hydroxyguanidine showed that the main oxidation product was a nitrosoimine. Modification of the aromatic para-substituent evidenced an influence of its electronic properties on the catalytic activity whereas steric factors seemed less important. In addition, changing the methoxy-substituent from the para- to the ortho-position led to an inactive compound. Our results demonstrate that N-aryl-N'-hydroxyguanidines are new efficient reducing cosubstrates for DbH and prove that specific interactions with the reducing cosubstrate do take place at the active site of the enzyme.

Oxidation of N-hydroxyguanidines by copper(II): model systems for elucidating the physiological chemistry of the nitric oxide biosynthetic intermediate N-hydroxyl-L-arginine

The redox chemistry of models of N-hydroxy-L-arginine, the biosynthetic intermediate in the synthesis of NO by the family of nitric oxide synthase enzymes, has been explored experimentally and theoretically. The oxidation of N-hydroxyguanidine model compounds by Cu(II) was studied as a means of establishing possible metabolic fates and intermediates of this important functional group. These studies indicate than an iminoxyl intermediate is formed and may be an important biological species generated from N-hydroxyguanidines including N-hydroxy-L-arginine.

Nitric oxide and cell signaling: modulation of redox tone and protein modification

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) have an impact on many cellular processes, often serving as signal transducers in both physiological and pathological situations. These small molecules can act as ligands for receptors as is the case for nitric oxide and guanylate cyclase. However, they can also modify proteins, changing their function and establishing a baseline for other signals in a process that we have termed "redox tone." In this review, we discuss the different mechanisms of redox cell signaling, and give specific examples of RNS participation in cell signaling via classical and redox tone pathways.

NO- activates soluble guanylate cyclase and Kv channels to vasodilate resistance arteries

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the control of vascular tone. Traditionally, its vasorelaxant activity has been attributed to the free radical form of NO (NO*), yet the reduced form of NO (NO-) is also produced endogenously and is a potent vasodilator of large conduit arteries. The effects of NO- in the resistance vasculature remain unknown. This study examines the activity of NO- in rat small isolated mesenteric resistance-like arteries and characterizes its mechanism(s) of action. With the use of standard myographic techniques, the vasorelaxant properties of NO* (NO gas solution), NO- (Angeli's salt), and the NO donor sodium nitroprusside were compared. Relaxation responses to Angeli's salt (pEC50=7.51+/-0.13, Rmax=95.5+/-1.5%) were unchanged in the presence of carboxy-PTIO (NO* scavenger) but those to NO* and sodium nitroprusside were inhibited. l-Cysteine (NO- scavenger) decreased the sensitivity to Angeli's salt (P<0.01) and sodium nitroprusside (P<0.01) but not to NO*. The soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ (3 and 10 micromol/L) concentration-dependently inhibited relaxation responses to Angeli's salt (41.0+/-6.0% versus control 93.4+/-1.9% at 10 micromol/L). The voltage-dependent K+ channel inhibitor 4-aminopyridine (1 mmol/L) caused a 9-fold (P<0.01) decrease in sensitivity to Angeli's salt, whereas glibenclamide, iberiotoxin, charybdotoxin, and apamin were without effect. In combination, ODQ and 4-aminopyridine abolished the response to Angeli's salt. In conclusion, NO- functions as a potent vasodilator of resistance arteries, mediating its response independently of NO* and through the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and voltage-dependent K+ channels. NO- donors may represent a novel class of nitrovasodilator relevant for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders such as angina.

Nitroxyl-mediated disruption of thiol proteins: inhibition of the yeast transcription factor Ace1

Among the biologically and pharmacologically relevant nitrogen oxides, nitroxyl (HNO) remains one of the most poorly studied and least understood. Several previous reports indicate that thiols may be a primary target for the biological actions of HNO. However, the intimate details of the chemical interaction of HNO with biological thiols remain unestablished. Due to their ability to grow under a variety of conditions, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae represents a unique and useful model system for examining the chemistry of HNO with thiol proteins in a whole-cell preparation. Herein, we have examined the effect of HNO on the thiol-containing, metal-responsive, yeast transcription factor Ace1 under a variety of cellular conditions as a means of delineating the chemistry of HNO interactions with this representative thiol protein. Using a reporter gene system, we find that HNO efficiently inhibits copper-dependent Ace1 activity. Moreover, this inhibition appears to be a result of a direct interaction between Ace1 thiols and HNO and not a result of any chemistry associated with HNO-derived species. Thus, this report indicates that thiol proteins can be a primary target of HNO biochemistry and that HNO-mediated thiol modification is likely due to a direct reaction of HNO.

Microperoxidase 8 catalysed nitrogen oxides formation from oxidation of N-hydroxyguanidines by hydrogen peroxide

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent intra- and intercellular messenger involved in the control of vascular tone, neuronal signalling and host response to infection. In mammals, NO is synthesized by oxidation of l-arginine catalysed by hemeproteins called NO-synthases with intermediate formation of Nomega-hydroxy-l-arginine (NOHA). NOHA and some hydroxyguanidines have been shown to be able to deliver nitrogen oxides including NO in the presence of various oxidative systems. In this study, NOHA and a model compound, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-hydroxyguanidine, were tested for their ability to generate NO in the presence of a haemprotein model, microperoxidase 8 (MP8), and hydrogen peroxide. Nitrite and nitrate production along with selective formation of 4-chlorophenylcyanamide was observed from incubations of N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-hydroxyguanidine in the presence of MP8 and hydrogen peroxide. In the case of NOHA, the corresponding cyanamide, Ndelta-cyano-L-ornithine, was too unstable under the conditions used and l-citrulline was the only product identified. A NO-specific conversion of 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide to 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl and formation of MP8-Fe-NO complexes were observed by EPR spectroscopy and low-temperature UV/visible spectroscopy, respectively. These results clearly demonstrate the formation of nitrogen oxides including NO from the oxidation of exogenous hydroxyguanidines by hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a minienzyme such as MP8. The importance of the bioactivation of endogenous (NOHA) or exogenous N-hydroxyguanidines by peroxidases of physiological interest remains to be established in vivo.

Ingress and reactive chemistry of nitroxyl-derived species within human cells

The mechanisms that control the biological signaling and toxicological properties of the nitrogen oxide species nitroxyl (HNO) are largely unknown. The ingress and intracellular reactivity of nitroxyl-derived species were examined using Angeli's salt (AS), which decomposes initially to HNO and nitrite at physiologic pH. Exposure of 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF) to AS resulted in fluorescent product formation only in the presence of molecular oxygen. Kinetic analysis and the lack of signal from a nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive electrode suggested that these processes did not involve conversion of HNO to NO. On an equimolar basis, bolus peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) exposure generated only 15% of fluorescent product formation observed from AS decomposition. Moreover, infusion of synthetic ONOO(-) at a rate comparable to AS decomposition resulted in only 4% of the signal. Quenching of AS-mediated product formation within intact human MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells containing DAF by addition of urate to buffer suggested involvement of an oxidized intermediate formed from reaction between HNO and oxygen. Conversely, intact cells competitively sequestered the HNO-derived species from reaction with DAF in solution. These data show this intermediate to be a long-lived diffusible species. Relative product yield from intracellular DAF was decreased 5- to 8-fold when cells were lysed immediately prior to AS addition, consistent with the partitioning of HNO and/or derived species into the cellular membrane, thereby shielding these reactive intermediates from either hydrolysis or cytoplasmic scavenger pools. These findings establish that oxygen-derived species of nitroxyl can readily penetrate and engage the intracellular milieu of cells and suggest this process to be independent of NO and ONOO(-) intermediacy. The substantial facilitation of oxygen-dependent nitroxyl chemistry by intact lipid bilayers supports a focusing role for the membrane in modulation of cellular constituents proteins by this unique species.

A plant histaminase modulates cardiac anaphylactic response in guinea pig

The effect of a copper amine oxidase (histaminase) purified from the pea seedling as free or immobilized enzyme on the response to specific antigen was studied in isolated hearts from actively sensitized guinea pigs. In vitro challenge with the specific antigen of hearts from actively sensitized animals evokes a positive inotropic and chronotropic effect, a coronary constriction, followed by dilation and an increase in the amount of histamine and nitrites, the oxidation product of nitric oxide, in the perfusates. In the presence of both forms of histaminases, the positive inotropic and chronotropic responses as well as the coronary constriction and the release of histamine were fully blocked. The amount of nitrites, appearing in the perfusates when anaphylaxis is elicited in the presence of both forms of histaminases, is significantly increased, as well as nitric oxide synthase activity and cyclic GMP content in cardiac tissue, while cardiac calcium overload was significantly prevented. These observations demonstrate that the decrease in the anaphylactic release of histamine and the subsequent abatement of the cardiac response to antigen can be accounted for by the inactivation by histaminase of the released histamine and by a stimulation of endogenous nitric oxide production.

Current trends in QSAR on NO donors and inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)*

This article evaluates the quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) of nitric oxide (NO) radical donors and nitric oxide synthases (NOS) inhibitors, using the C-QSAR program of Biobyte. Furoxans, triazines, amidoximes, tetrazoles, imidazoles and N(omega)-2-nitroarylamino acid analogues were included in this survey. In nine out of seventeen cases, the clog P plays a significant part in the QSAR of the NO radical donors and of the NOS inhibition. Many of the compounds must be interacting with a hydrophobic space in a non-specific way. In some cases molecular refractivity CMR/MR as well as sterimol parameters (B(1) and L) are important. Electronic effects, with the exception of the Hammett's constant sigma and the Swain-Lupton parameter F, are not found to govern the biological activity. Stereochemical and electronic features are also found to be important. Indicator variables were used after the best model was found to account for the usual structural features.

Electrochemical and peroxidase oxidation study of N'-hydroxyguanidine derivatives as NO donors

The electrochemical properties of a series of N-substituted-N'-hydroxyguanidines were studied. Two oxidation potentials of each compound were obtained by cyclic voltammetry. The E(ox1) values were from 0.51 to 0.62V, while the E(ox2) values were from 1.14 to 1.81V in acetonitrile solution. Next, their enzymatic controlled NO release abilities were evaluated. All N'-hydroxyguanidines exhibited efficient NO release abilities under the oxidation by horseradish peroxidase in the presence of H(2)O(2).

Effects of agents that inactivate free radical NO (NO*) on nitroxyl anion-mediated relaxations, and on the detection of NO* released from the nitroxyl anion donor Angeli's salt

1. The effects of agents that inactivate free radical nitric oxide (carboxy-PTIO, hydroxocobalamin and pyrogallol) were tested on relaxations produced by the nitroxyl anion (NO(-)) donor Angeli's salt in rat aortic rings and anococcygeus muscles. The amount of NO(*) generated from Angeli's salt in the presence of these agents was measured using a NO(*)-selective electrode sensor. 2. Carboxy-PTIO (100, 300 microM), hydroxocobalamin (30, 100 microM) and pyrogallol (10, 30 microM) significantly reduced relaxations produced by Angeli's salt (0.3 microM) in aortic rings but not in anococcygeus muscles. 3. NO(*) generated from Angeli's salt (0.1 - 10 microM), as detected by the sensor electrode, was less than 0.5% of the amount of Angeli's salt added. Carboxy-PTIO (100 microM) and hydroxocobalamin (30 microM), but not pyrogallol significantly increased the amount of NO(*) detected. 4. In the presence of an oxidizing agent copper [II] (as CuSO(4) 100 microM), the amount of NO(*) detected from 0.3 microM of Angeli's salt increased from an undetectable level of 142.7+/-15.7 nM (equivalent to 47.6% of Angeli's salt added). Under these conditions, carboxy-PTIO, hydroxocobalamin and pyrogallol significantly reduced the amount of NO(*) detected from Angeli's salt as well as the signal generated by an equivalent amount of authentic NO (0.33 microM). 5. The difference in effects of these agents on relaxations to Angeli's salt in the aorta and the anococcygeus muscle may be explained by the ready conversion of NO(-) to NO(*) in the aorta through an unidentified mechanism, which makes NO(-) susceptible to inactivation by these agents. Furthermore, in addition to inactivating NO(*), carboxy-PTIO and hydroxocobalamin may themselves oxidize NO(-) to NO(*), albeit slightly.

Oxidation of nitroxyl anion to nitric oxide by copper ions

1. This study made use of a nitric oxide-sensitive electrode to examine possible means of generating nitric oxide from nitroxyl anion (NO(-)) released upon the decomposition of Angeli's salt. 2. Our results show that copper ions (from CuSO(4)) catalyze the rapid and efficient oxidation of nitroxyl to nitric oxide. Indeed, the concentrations of copper required to do so (0.1 - 100 microM) are roughly 100-times lower than those required to generate equivalent amounts of nitric oxide from S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP). 3. Experiments with ascorbate (1 mM), which reduces Cu(2+) ions to Cu(+), and with the Cu(2+) chelators, EDTA and cuprizone, and the Cu(+) chelator, neocuproine, each at 1 mM, suggest that the oxidation is catalyzed by copper ions in both valency states. 4. Some compounds containing other transition metals, i.e. methaemoglobin, ferricytochrome c and Mn(III)TMPyP, were much less efficient than CuSO(4) in catalyzing the formation of nitric oxide from nitroxyl, while FeSO(4), FeCl(3), MnCl(2), and ZnSO(4) were inactive. 5. Of the copper containing enzymes examined, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase and ceruloplasmin were weak generators of nitric oxide from nitroxyl, even at concentrations (2500 and 30 u ml(-1), respectively) vastly greater than are present endogenously. Two others, ascorbate oxidase (10 u ml(-1)) and tyrosinase (250 u ml(-1)) were inactive. 6. Our findings suggest that a copper-containing enzyme may be responsible for the rapid oxidation of nitroxyl to nitric oxide by cells, but the identity of such an enzyme remains elusive.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide-dependent vascular relaxation of rat aorta. An additional mechanism for nitroglycerin

We investigated the involvement of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the vasodilatory mechanism of action of nitric oxide (NO) donors. The functional role of CGRP in NO donor-induced vasodilation of isolated rat aortic rings was determined by incubating these drugs with and without CGRP(8-37), a selective CGRP receptor antagonist. CGRP(8-37) (0.63 microM) induced rightward shifts in the vasodilatory concentration-response curves for nitroglycerin (NTG), Piloty's acid (PA), and SIN-1 (linsidomine). The EC(50) values for NTG, PA, and SIN-1 were increased by 8.3-, 5.2-, and 2.3-fold, respectively (P < 0.05). The release of CGRP from rat aorta in response to NTG and PA was measured specifically by radioimmunoassay. Thirty-minute incubations of NTG or PA with rat aorta induced 189.5 and 214.6% increases, respectively, in CGRP release when compared with the control (P < 0.05). The concentration-response curves of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), S-nitroso-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), tetranitromethane (TNM), diethylamine NO complex (DEA-NO), and diethylenetriamine/nitric oxide adduct (DETA NONOate) were not inhibited significantly by CGRP(8-37) co-incubation (P 0.05). NO donors also were incubated with aortic strips, and NTG and PA alone induced significant formation of hydroxylamine, a NO(-) metabolite (232.4 and 364.9%, respectively, P < 0.05). These results indicate that only NTG and PA, and to a lesser extent SIN-1, stimulate the release of CGRP from the rat aorta, which subsequently contributes to the vasodilatory activity of these agents. The hydroxylamine formation suggests a possible link between NO(-) generation and CGRP release from the vascular wall.

Unusual oxidative chemistry of N(omega)-hydroxyarginine and N-hydroxyguanidine catalyzed at an engineered cavity in a heme peroxidase

Heme enzymes are capable of catalyzing a range of oxidative chemistry with high specificity, depending on the surrounding protein environment. We describe here a reaction catalyzed by a mutant of cytochrome c peroxidase, which is similar but distinct from those catalyzed by nitric-oxide synthase. In the R48A mutant, an expanded water-filled cavity was created above the distal heme face. N-hydroxyguanidine (NHG) but not guanidine was shown to bind in the cavity with K(d) = 8.5 mM, and coordinate to the heme to give a low spin state. Reaction of R48A with peroxide produced a Fe(IV)=O/Trp(.+) center capable of oxidizing either NHG or N(omega)-hydroxyarginine (NHA), but not arginine or guanidine, by a multi-turnover catalytic process. Oxidation of either NHG or NHA by R48A did not result in the accumulation of NO, NO(2)(-), NO(3)(-), urea, or citrulline, but instead afforded a yellow product with absorption maxima of 257 and 400 nm. Mass spectrometry of the derivatized NHA products identified the yellow species as N-nitrosoarginine. We suggest that a nitrosylating agent, possibly derived from HNO, is produced by the oxidation of one molecule of substrate. This then reacts with a second substrate molecule to form the observed N-nitroso products. This complex chemistry illustrates how the active sites of enzymes such as nitric-oxide synthase may serve to prevent alternative reactions from occurring, in addition to enabling those desired.

Differential actions of L-cysteine on responses to nitric oxide, nitroxyl anions and EDRF in the rat aorta

1. The effects of L-cysteine were tested in rat aortic rings on responses to nitric oxide free radical (NO(*)), nitroxyl (NO(-)) derived from Angeli's salt and endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) activated by acetylcholine, ATP and the calcium ionophore A23187. Concentrations of 300 microM or less of L-cysteine had no effect on responses. 2. Relaxations produced by exogenous NO(*) (0.25 - 2.5 microM) were markedly prolonged and relaxations produced by sodium nitroprusside (0.001 - 0.3 microM) were enhanced by 1 and 3 mM L-cysteine. The enhancements by L-cysteine of responses to NO(*) and sodium nitroprusside may be attributed to the formation of S-nitrosocysteine. 3. Relaxations mediated by the nitroxyl anion (0.3 microM) donated from Angeli's salt were more prolonged than those produced by NO(*), and nitroxyl-induced relaxations were reduced by L-cysteine (1 and 3 mM). 4. EDRF-mediated relaxations produced by acetylcholine (0.01 - 10 microM), ATP (3 - 100 microM) and the calcium ionophore A23187 (0.1 microM) were significantly reduced by 3 mM L-cysteine. 5. The similarity between the inhibitory effects of L-cystei on responses to EDRF and on those to nitroxyl suggests that a component of the response to EDRF may be mediated by nitroxyl anion.

Exhaled nitric oxide measurements in childhood asthma: techniques and interpretation

In this review, we outline the role of nitric oxide in airway inflammation in children with asthma. We also discuss the various methods reported for measuring exhaled nitric oxide and provide some insight as to the pros and cons and pitfalls of these techniques. Guidelines for measurements of exhaled nitric oxide based on our experience are provided, as well as suggestions for the use of this technique as a new "airway inflammation test."

Attenuation of NMDA receptor activity and neurotoxicity by nitroxyl anion, NO-

Recent evidence indicates that the NO-related species, nitroxyl anion (NO), is produced in physiological systems by several redox metal-containing proteins, including hemoglobin, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), superoxide dismutase, and S-nitrosothiols (SNOs), which have recently been identified in brain. However, the chemical biology of NO- remains largely unknown. Here, we show that NO- -unlike NO*, but reminiscent of NO+ transfer (or S-nitrosylation)- -reacts mainly with Cys-399 in the NR2A subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor to curtail excessive Ca2+ influx and thus provide neuroprotection from excitotoxic insults. This effect of NO- closely resembles that of NOS, which also downregulates NMDA receptor activity under similar conditions in culture.

Microsomal formation of nitric oxide and cyanamides from non-physiological N-hydroxyguanidines: N-hydroxydebrisoquine as a model substrate

The microsomal oxidative transformation of a non-physiological N-hydroxyguanidine was demonstrated for the first time for N-hydroxydebrisoquine as a model substrate (Clement et al., Biochem Pharmacol 46: 2249-2267, 1993). The objective of the present work was to further compare this reaction with the analogous oxidation of arginine via N-hydroxyarginine to citrulline and nitric oxide. The oxidation of N-hydroxydebrisoquine by liver microsomes from rats pretreated with dexamethasone not only produced nitric oxide and the urea, but also the cyanamide derivative as the main metabolite. The low stability of the cyanamide derivative, which easily hydrolyzed to the urea derivative, was noted. The formation of all compounds required cosubstrate and the enzyme source. Experiments with catalase, superoxide dismutase, and H2O2 showed that the O2- formed from the enzyme and the substrate apparently participated in the reaction. While the N-hydroxylation of the guanidine involves the usual monooxygenase activity of cytochrome P-450 (Clement et al., Biochem Pharmacol 46: 2249-2267, 1993), the resultant N-hydroxyguanidine decoupled the monooxygenase. Nitric oxide was detected by the oxyhemoglobin assay. To examine the influence of enzymatically formed nitric oxide on the formation of the metabolites, the N-hydroxydebrisoquine was incubated with SIN-1 as nitric oxide donor under aerobic conditions. It was again possible to detect the cyanamide and urea derivatives, with the latter as main metabolite. It was concluded that the microsomal transformation of N-hydroxydebrisoquine produces a cyanamide and nitric oxide which reacts with N-hydroxydebrisoquine to form the urea derivative. The purely chemical reaction of the unsubstituted N-hydroxyguanidine with nitric oxide gave similar results (Fukuto et al., Biochem Pharmacol 43: 607-613, 1992). In conclusion, similarities (formation of a urea derivative) and differences (formation of a cyanamide derivative) between the physiological oxidation of N-hydroxy-L-arginine by nitric oxide synthases and non-physiological N-hydroxyguanidines by cytochrome P-450 were observed. Furthermore, non-physiological N-hydroxyguanidines can be regarded as nitric oxide donors.

Comparison of the redox forms of nitrogen monoxide with the nitrergic transmitter in the rat anococcygeus muscle

1. A sustained tone was produced in rat isolated anococcygeus muscles with guanethidine and clonidine and relaxant responses were elicited by electrical stimulation of its nitrergic nerves and by the three redox forms of nitrogen monoxide. 2. The nitroxyl anion (NO ) was donated by dissociation of Angeli's salt; the free radical (NO*) was from an aqueous solution of nitric oxide gas; the nitrosonium cation (NO+) was donated by dissociation of nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate. 3. The concentrations producing approximately 50% relaxations of the anococcygeus muscle were 0.3 microM for Angeli's salt (nitroxyl), 0.5 microM for NO* and 100 microM for nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate. Nitrergic nerve stimulation at 1 Hz for 10 s produced equivalent relaxant responses. 4. The superoxide generator pyrogallol (100 microM) had no effect on responses to nitrergic nerve stimulation or Angeli's salt but significantly reduced responses to NO* and nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate. 5. The NO* scavenger carboxy-PTIO (100 microM) had no effect on responses to nitrergic nerve stimulation or Angeli's salt but significantly reduced responses to NO* and nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate. 6. Hydroxocobalamin (30 microM) had no significant effect on responses to the nitrergic transmitter, enhanced the response to Angeli's salt, and significantly reduced responses to NO* and nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate. 7. The findings suggest that the nitroxyl anion donated by Angeli's salt is a better candidate than NO* to serve as the nitrergic transmitter in the rat anococcygeus muscle, although it still does not behave exactly like the transmitter.

Relationships between nitric oxide, nitroxyl ion, nitrosonium cation and peroxynitrite

This review is concerned mainly with the three redox-related, but chemically distinct, species NO-, NO. and NO+, with greatest emphasis being placed on the chemistry and biology of the nitroxyl ion. Biochemical routes for the formation of nitroxyl ion and methods for showing the intermediacy of this species are discussed, together with chemical methods for generating nitroxyl ion in solution. Reactions of nitroxyl ion with NO., thiols, iron centres in haem and with dioxygen are reviewed The significance of the reaction between NO- and dioxygen as a source of peroxynitrite is assessed, and attention drawn to the possible significance of the spin state of the nitroxyl ion in this context. The biological significance of nitrosation and the importance of S-nitrosothiols and certain metal nitrosyl complexes as carriers of NO+ at physiological pH is stressed. Some features in the chemistry of peroxynitrite are noted.

Role of nitric oxide in the control of renal function and salt sensitivity

Nitric oxide (NO) plays critical roles in the control of renal and glomerular hemodynamics, tubuloglomerular feedback response, release of renin and sympathetic transmitters, tubular ion transport, and renal water and sodium excretion. This paper explores the importance of NO in the control of renal water and sodium excretion and in the long-term control of arterial blood pressure. Synthesis of NO, characteristics of NO tissue redox forms, NO synthase activity, and NO synthase isoforms in the kidney are reviewed. To define the role of NO as a natriuretic and antihypertensive factor, the most supportive evidence is summarized, and some contradictory results are also noted. Given the evidence that high salt intake results in high NO concentrations and great NO synthase expression and activity selectively in the renal medulla of the kidney, as well as evidence of a deficiency of the NO synthase activity in Dahl salt-sensitive rats confined in the renal medulla, this report emphasizes the mechanisms by which the renal medullary l-arginine/NO system controls sodium excretion and arterial blood pressure. Other mechanisms for the action of NO on sodium homeostasis such as the action on glomerular filtration rate and the direct effect on tubules are also discussed. We conclude that there is strong evidence that under physiologic conditions, NO plays an important role in the regulation of renal blood flow to the renal medulla and in the tubular regulation of sodium excretion. It is thereby involved in the long-term control of arterial blood pressure, and inhibition or deficiency of NO synthase may result in a sustained hypertension.

Hydroxyguanidines inhibit peroxynitrite-induced oxidation

Hydroxyguanidines (OHGs), including the endogenously formed NG-hydroxy-L-arginine (OH-arg), can react with nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in vitro. Therefore, we have tested OHGs and related compounds for their ability to scavenge peroxynitrite and to protect against peroxynitrite-induced oxidative processes in cells. Hydroxyguanidine, NG-hydroxy-L-arginine and other N-substituted OHGs, dose-dependently inhibited the in vitro oxidation of dihydrorhodamine (DHR) by peroxynitrite (PN), with similar or better efficacy than glutathione or cysteine. Amidoximes, aminoguanidines and O-substituted OHGs were less effective, and guanidines were without effect. In contrast to their effects on DHR oxidation, OHGs exerted only minimal inhibitory effects on the hydroxylation of benzoate by PN, suggesting that OHGs do not react with the activated isomer of peroxynitrous acid. Selected compounds were tested for protection against PN-induced suppression of mitochondrial respiration and protein oxidation in cultured J774 murine macrophages. Aminoguanidines afforded some protection against the effects of PN, but substituted-phenyl OHGs were considerably more effective. Analysis of the products of the reaction of 4-methoxybenzyl-OHG with PN showed rapid formation of nitrosated derivatives, as well as 4-methoxybenzylcyanamide and a small amount of 4-methoxybenzylurea. Nitric oxide and nitrous oxide were also evolved, but indirectly, arising from the decomposition of one of the nitrosation products. The current results demonstrate that hydroxyguanidines react with PN to protect cells against PN-mediated injury and may be more effective than the endogenous antioxidants cysteine and glutathione.

Nitric oxide generation from hydroxyurea via copper-catalyzed peroxidation and implications for pharmacological actions of hydroxyurea

We investigated the generation of nitric oxide (NO) by H2O2-dependent peroxidation of hydroxyurea in the presence of copper-containing proteins such as Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) or ceruloplasmin as a catalyst. In the reaction mixture of hydroxyurea, CuZn-SOD, and H2O2, NO generation was identified by measuring the specific electron spin resonance (ESR) signal of 2-phenyl-4, 4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide (PTIO). The ESR signal of the NO-hemoglobin adduct was also detected in human red blood cells during copper-catalyzed peroxidation of hydroxyurea. The NO production during peroxidation of hydroxyurea was quantified as NO2- formation, measured by using the Griess assay, the amount of NO2- was dependent on the concentrating of hydroxyurea of the reaction mixture. ESR spin trapping with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) showed hydroxy radical (OH) generation in the reaction of H2O2 with either Cu,Zn-SOD or ceruloplasmin. Several OH scavengers, such as ethanol, thiourea, DMPO, and dimethylsulfoxide, and the metalchelating agent diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid significantly inhibited NO generation from hydroxyurea. This indicates that NO release from hydroxyurea may be mediated by OH derived from the copper-catalyzed Fenton-like reaction. Incubation of hydroxyurea and Cu,Zn-SOD with xanthine oxidase and hypoxanthine in a system forming O2- -->H2O2 also resulted in appreciable NO production. These results suggest that NO production from hydroxyurea catalyzed by copper-containing proteins may be the molecular basis of the pharmacological and antitumor action of hydroxyurea.

Nitric oxide (NO), the only nitrogen monoxide redox form capable of activating soluble guanylyl cyclase

In the present study, we determined that of the redox forms of nitrogen monoxide, NO-, NO and NO+, only NO significantly activates soluble guanylyl cyclase (GTP pyrophosphate-lyase cyclizing, EC 4.6.1.2). Neither of the NO-donors tested, Angeli's salt (Na2N2O3) or Piloty's acid (C6H5SO2NHOH), caused a change in the guanylyl cyclase activity relative to the basal activity level. Interference by other reaction products was eliminated as a possible explanation for the lack of activation. To the extent that NO+ could be stabilized in aqueous solution, by dissolution of the nitrosonium salt NOPF6 in dry organic solvent prior to addition to the enzyme in buffer, NO+ had no effect on the activity of soluble guanylyl cyclase. The counter-ion, PF6-, had a minimal effect on the enzyme activity and, therefore was, not responsible for the lack of activation by NO+. These observations suggest that NO- is the natural activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase and is reasonably identical with endothelium-derived relaxing factor, the physiological regulator of soluble guanylyl cyclase activity.

The role of glutathione in the transport and catabolism of nitric oxide

Nitric oxide acts as a neuronal and vascular messenger implying diffusion through intracellular environments containing 5-10 mM glutathione. Nitric oxide reacts with glutathione under aerobic conditions generating S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). GSNO reacts with glutathione (k= 8.3 X 10(-3) M-1 X s-1) to generate nitrous oxide and glutathione disulfide (GSSG). Anaerobically, glutathione reacts with nitric oxide generating nitrous oxide and GSSG (k= 4.8 X 10(-4) s-1 at 5 mM GSH). In both aerobic and anaerobic situations the nitroxyl anion may be an intermediate in the synthesis of nitrous oxide and, under aerobic conditions, nitroxyl anion may generate peroxynitrite. We present a hypothesis for the intracellular interaction between nitric oxide and glutathione.

The chemistry and tumoricidal activity of nitric oxide/hydrogen peroxide and the implications to cell resistance/susceptibility

The mechanism of cytotoxicity of the NO donor 3-morpholino-sydnonimine toward a human ovarian cancer cell line (OVCAR) was examined. It was found that the NO-mediated loss of cell viability was dependent on both NO and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Somewhat surprisingly, superoxide (O2) and its reaction product with NO, peroxynitrite (-OONO), did not appear to be di- rectly involved in the observed NO-mediated cytotoxicity against this cancer cell line. The toxicity of NO/H2O2 may be due to the production of a potent oxidant formed via a trace metal-, H202-, and NO-dependent process. Because the combination of NO and H2O2 was found to be particularly cytotoxic, the effect of NO on cellular defense mechanisms involving H2O2 degradation was investigated. It was found that NO was able to inhibit catalase activity but had no effect on the activity of the glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx)-glutathione reductase system. It might therefore be expected that cells that utilize primarily the GSHPx-glutathione reductase system for degrading H2O2 would be somewhat resistant to the cytotoxic effects of NO. Consistent with this idea, it was found that ebselen, a compound with GSHPx-like activity, was able to protect cells against NO toxicity. Also, lowering endogenous GSHPx activity via selenium depletion resulted in an increased susceptibility of the target cells to NO-mediated toxicity. Thus, a possible NO/H2O2/metal-mediated mechanism for cellular toxicity is presented as well as a possible explanation for cell resistance/susceptibility to this NO-initiated process.

Oxidation of N-hydroxyguanidine by nitric oxide and the possible generation of vasoactive species

It has been reported previously that the N-hydroxyguanidine function of N-hydroxy-L-arginine can react with nitric oxide (NO) to generate other species that can act as potent vasodilators with different biological lifetimes than NO. The identities of these species have yet to be determined. Therefore, we have studied the reaction between NO and N-hydroxyguanidine and determined that N-hydroxyguanidine is capable of reducing NO to yield nitrous oxide (N2O) and possibly other nitroso species. It is likely that at least some of the N2O formation in these reactions is due to the initial generation of nitroxyl (HNO). Since HNO has been shown to be a potent vasorelaxant, it is possible that some of the non-NO-mediated biological activity alluded to in previous studies was due to HNO and that other nitroso-species generated in the reaction may also contribute to the overall pharmacological activity by release of either NO or HNO.

Nitric oxide: an overview

Nitric oxide (NO), a paracrine-acting gas enzymatically synthesized from L-arginine, is a unique biologic mediator that has been implicated in a myriad of physiologic and pathophysiologic states. It is an important regulator of vascular tone and may be the mediator of the hemodynamic changes involved in sepsis and cirrhosis. In addition, there is increasing evidence that NO is involved in coagulation, immune function, inhibitory innervation of the gastrointestinal tract, protection of gastrointestinal mucosa, and the hepatotoxicity of cirrhosis. It has already been speculated that NO may represent a point of control or intervention in a number of disease states. The purpose of this paper is to provide the surgeon with a broad overview of the scientific and clinical aspects of this important molecule.

Transport and interaction of nitrogen oxides and NO2 with CO2-HCO3- transporters in pancreatic acini

Recently, we showed that NO2- increases gap junction (GJ) permeability and synchronizes intracellular Ca2+ concentration oscillations in pancreatic acini (Loessburg et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268: 19769-19775, 1993). NO2- is also an end product of nitric oxide (NO) production and metabolism. Because of the effect of NO2- on GJ permeability and the possible importance of NO2- in NO metabolism and cytotoxicity, we used pancreatic acinar cells and intracellular pH (pHi) measurements to study the interaction of nitrogen oxides and NO2- with cellular proteins. Exposing cells to NO2- resulted in a concentration-dependent cytosolic acidification. The acidification did not require the transport of NO2- and was not mediated by diffusion of HNO2. Because the acidification was prevented by CO2-HCO3- and inhibition of carbonic anhydrase, it is possible that other nitrogen oxides present in a solution containing NO2- enter the cells by diffusion and interact with OH- or H2O to stably acidify the cytosol. NO2- itself is shown to be transported by the HCO3- transporters present in the plasma membrane. Thus manipulation of the cellular Cl- gradient and 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) were used to show Cl-/NO2- exchange, whereas stimulation of external Na(+)-dependent amiloride-insensitive and DIDS-sensitive pHi increase in acidified cells was used to demonstrate a Na(+)-(NO2-)n cotransport. Hence NO2- can be a convenient substitute for HCO3- when studying HCO3- transport in an open system. The studies also show that cellular levels of nitrogen oxides and NO2- can be modulated by the cellular HCO3(-)-buffering system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytochrome P450 dependent N-hydroxylation of a guanidine (debrisoquine), microsomal catalysed reduction and further oxidation of the N-hydroxy-guanidine metabolite to the urea derivative. Similarity with the oxidation of arginine to citrulline and nitric oxide

The microsomal N-hydroxylation of the strongly basic guanidinium group (debrisoquine) to N-hydroxyguanidine (N-hydroxydebrisoquine) and the retroreduction of the N-hydroxyguanidine are demonstrated for the first time. The reduction of the N-hydroxyguanidine by liver homogenates and hepatocytes is catalysed by a microsomal NADH-dependent system that is strongly inhibited by hydroxylamine or N-methylhydroxylamine. In the presence of these alternate substrates for the reductase the microsomal catalysed N-hydroxylation of debrisoquine is readily characterized. The oxidation was inhibited by antibodies against NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase and the role of the P450 monooxygenase was further verified by studies with partially purified and purified P450 2C3 reconstituted systems. The transformation of N-hydroxydebrisoquine to the corresponding urea derivative was also detected in in vitro experiments with microsomal fractions and enriched P450 fractions as well as with flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO). Experiments with catalase, superoxide dismutase and H2O2 have shown that the H2O2 or O2-, respectively, formed from the respective enzyme and the substrate, apparently participated in the reaction. Whereas the N-hydroxylation of the guanidine involves the usual monooxygenase activity of cytochrome P450 the resultant N-hydroxyguanidine decouples monooxygenases (cytochrome P450, FMO) and the H2O2 and, above all, O2- thus formed transform the N-hydroxyguanidine further to the corresponding urea derivative. The possibility for the N-hydroxylation of non-physiological guanidines to N-hydroxyguanidines and subsequent oxidative conversion to the respective urea is comparable to the physiological transformation of arginine to citrulline via N-hydroxyarginine with the liberation of nitric oxide (endothelial derived relaxing factor) and could, therefore, contribute to the efficacy of drugs containing guanidine and similar functional groups.

Vasodilator effects of hydroxylamine in the isolated rodent lung

Hydroxylamine is a natural product of cellular metabolism that possesses vasodilating properties similar to those of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). In the rodent pulmonary circulation preconstricted with the endoperoxide analog U-46619, hydroxylamine relaxed the vasculature in a concentration-dependent manner. Blockade of the hydroxylamine vasodilator response by methylene blue indicated that the mechanism of vasorelaxation is similar to that of EDRF. In this preparation, hydroxylamine is a more potent vasodilator than nitroglycerin.

Structural aspects of N-hydroxy-N'-aminoguanidine derivatives as inhibitors of L1210 cell growth and ribonucleotide reductase activity

Previous studies have shown that N-hydroxy-N'-aminoguanidine (HAG) derivatives [RCH = NNHC(= NH)NHOH-tosylate] inhibit ribonucleotide reductase activity and block the growth of leukemia L1210 cells and human colon carcinoma, HT-29, cells in culture. In the current studies, the role of the side chains and the location of the bond of the side chain moiety to HAG were investigated using a new series of HAG derivatives which contained as the R-group--cyclohexyl, phenyl-, pyridyl- or napthyl moieties. The effects of these compounds as inhibitors of L1210 cell growth and ribonucleotide reductase activity were compared with the parent compound. N-hydroxy-N'-aminoguanidine was less inhibitory to ribonucleotide reductase activity and L1210 cell growth than hydroxyurea. The phenyl-HAG compounds which included 1-benzyloxybenzylidene- and 4-cyclohexylmethoxybenzylidene-HAG inhibited CDP reductase with IC50s which ranged from 50-110 microM. 1-Naphthylmethylene-HAG was more inhibitory than 2-naphthylmethylene-HAG and more inhibitory than the phenyl-HAG compounds. 2-Pyridylmethylene-HAG was more inhibitory than 3-pyridylmethylene- or 4-pyridylmethylene-HAG. While HAG inhibited CDP and ADP reductase activities essentially to the same extent, the HAG-derivatives inhibited ADP reductase activity to a greater extent than CDP reductase activity. Cyclohexylmethylene-HAG did not inhibit either L1210 cell growth or ribonucleotide reductase activity. There was good correlation between the inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase activity and L1210 cell growth by these HAG-derivatives. These data indicate that not only is the nature of the side chain substitution important, but also the location of the HAG-moiety on the ring position.

Biochemistry of nitric oxide and its redox-activated forms

Nitric oxide (NO.), a potentially toxic molecule, has been implicated in a wide range of biological functions. Details of its biochemistry, however, remain poorly understood. The broader chemistry of nitrogen monoxide (NO) involves a redox array of species with distinctive properties and reactivities: NO+ (nitrosonium), NO., and NO- (nitroxyl anion). The integration of this chemistry with current perspectives of NO biology illuminates many aspects of NO biochemistry, including the enzymatic mechanism of synthesis, the mode of transport and targeting in biological systems, the means by which its toxicity is mitigated, and the function-regulating interaction with target proteins.