Properties of a novel nitric oxide-stimulated ADP-ribosyltransferase

Regulation of vascular tone homeostasis by NO and H2S: Implications in hypertension

Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are two gasotransmitters that are produced in the vasculature and contribute to the regulation of vascular tone. NO and H2S are synthesized in both vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells; NO functions primarily through the sGC/cGMP pathway, and H2S mainly through activation of the ATP-dependent potassium channels; both leading to relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells. A deficit in the NO/H2S homeostasis is involved in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension. It is now becoming increasingly clear that there are important interactions between NO and H2S and that have a profound impact on vascular tone and this may provide insights into the new therapeutic interventions. The aim of this review is to provide a better understanding of individual and interactive roles of NO and H2S in vascular biology. Overall, available data indicate that both NO and H2S contribute to vascular (patho)physiology and in regulating blood pressure. In addition, boosting NO and H2S using various dietary sources or donors could be a hopeful therapeutic strategy in the management of hypertension.

The effects of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) extracts and L-citrulline on rat uterine contractility

In uterine smooth muscle, the effects of watermelon and its citrulline content are unknown. The aims of this study were therefore, to determine the effects of watermelon extract and citrulline on the myometrium and to investigate their mechanisms of action. The effects of extracts of watermelon flesh and rind and L-citrulline (64 μmol/L) were evaluated on 3 types of contractile activity; spontaneous, those elicited by potassium chloride (KCl) depolarization, or oxytocin (10 nmol/L) application in isolated rat uterus. Inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) and its mechanisms of action, N ω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME, 100 μmol/L), LY83583 (1 μmol/L), and tetraethylamonium chloride (5 mmol/L), as well as Ca signaling pathways, were determined. Both flesh and rind extracts significantly decreased the force produced by all 3 mechanisms, in a dose-dependent manner. The extracts could also significantly decrease the force under conditions of sustained high Ca levels (depolarization and agonist) and when the force was produced only by sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca release. L-citrulline produced the same effects on force as watermelon extracts. With submaximal doses of extract, the additive effects of L-citrulline were found. The inhibitory effects of extracts and L-citrulline were reversed upon the addition of NO inhibitors, and pretreatment of tissues with these inhibitors prevented the actions of both extracts and L-citrulline. Thus, these data show that watermelon and citrulline are potent tocolytics, decreasing the force produced by calcium entry and SR release and arising by different pathways, including oxytocin stimulation. Their major mechanism is to stimulate the NO-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) relaxant pathway.

In vitro inhibition of human and rat platelets by NO donors, nitrosoglutathione, sodium nitroprusside and SIN-1, through activation of cGMP-independent pathways

Three different NO donors, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and 3-morpholino-sydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN-1) were used in order to investigate mechanisms of platelet inhibition through cGMP-dependent and -independent pathways both in human and rat. To this purpose, we also evaluated to what extent cGMP-independent pathways were related with the entity of NO release from each drug. SNP, GSNO and SIN-1 (100 μM) effects on platelet aggregation, in the presence or absence of a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ), on fibrinogen receptor (α(IIb)β(3)) binding to specific antibody (PAC-1), and on the entity of NO release from NO donors in human and rat platelet rich plasma (PRP) were measured. Inhibition of platelet aggregation (induced by ADP) resulted to be greater in human than in rat. GSNO was the most powerful inhibitor (IC(50) values, μM): (a) in human, GSNO=0.52±0.09, SNP=2.83 ± 0.53, SIN-1=2.98 ± 1.06; (b) in rat, GSNO = 28.4 ± 6.9, SNP = 265 ± 73, SIN-1=108 ± 85. GSNO action in both species was mediated by cGMP-independent mechanisms and characterized by the highest NO release in PRP. SIN-1 and SNP displayed mixed mechanisms of inhibition of platelet aggregation (cGMP-dependent and independent), except for SIN-1 in rat (cGMP-dependent), and respectively lower or nearly absent NO delivery. Conversely, all NO-donors prevalently inhibited PAC-1 binding to α(IIb)β(3) through cGMP-dependent pathways. A modest relationship between NO release from NO donors and cGMP-independent responses was found. Interestingly, the species difference in NO release from GSNO and inhibition by cGMP-independent mechanism was respectively attributed to S-nitrosylation of non-essential and essential protein SH groups.

Oxidatively modified glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and Alzheimer's disease: many pathways to neurodegeneration

Recently, the oxidoreductase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), has become a subject of interest as more and more studies reveal a surfeit of diverse GAPDH functions, extending beyond traditional aerobic metabolism of glucose. As a result of multiple isoforms and cellular locales, GAPDH is able to come in contact with a variety of small molecules, proteins, membranes, etc., that play important roles in normal and pathologic cell function. Specifically, GAPDH has been shown to interact with neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins, including the amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP). Studies from our laboratory have shown significant inhibition of GAPDH dehydrogenase activity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain due to oxidative modification. Although oxidative stress and damage is a common phenomenon in the AD brain, it would seem that inhibition of glycolytic enzyme activity is merely one avenue in which AD pathology affects neuronal cell development and survival, as oxidative modification can also impart a toxic gain-of-function to many proteins, including GAPDH. In this review, we examine the many functions of GAPDH with respect to AD brain; in particular, the apparent role(s) of GAPDH in AD-related apoptotic cell death is emphasized.

Inhibition of apoptosis by taurine in macrophages treated with sodium nitroprusside

Nitric oxide (NO) induces apoptotic cell death in murine RAW264.7 macrophages. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of taurine on NO-induced apoptosis, a cell was exposed to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, in the absence and presence of taurine. Taurine treatment prevented SNP-mediated cellular apoptosis in a concentration dependent manner. The exposure of the cell to taurine prior to SNP treatment inhibited DNA fragmentation more than addition of taurine to the medium after SNP treatment. Agarose gel electrophoresis data revealed that taurine reduced the intensity of SNP-induced DNA laddering. The taurine-mediated reduction in the number of apoptotic cells was also observed using the Hoechst 33258 stain. These results support the idea that taurine has the potential to function as an inhibitory modulator of NO-mediated cell injury.

N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor: a redox sensor in exocytosis

Vascular injury triggers endothelial exocytosis of granules, releasing pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic mediators into the blood. Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) limit vascular inflammation and thrombosis by inhibiting endothelial exocytosis. NO decreases exocytosis by regulating the activity of the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF), a central component of the exocytic machinery. NO nitrosylates specific cysteine residues of NSF, thereby inhibiting NSF disassembly of the soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE). NO also modulates exocytosis of other cells; for example, NO regulates platelet activation by inhibiting alpha-granule secretion from platelets. Other radicals besides NO can regulate exocytosis as well. For example, H(2)O(2) inhibits exocytosis by oxidizing NSF. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we have defined the critical cysteine residues of NSF, and found that one particular cysteine residue, C264, renders NSF sensitive to oxidative stress. Since radicals such as NO and H(2)O(2) inhibit NSF and decrease exocytosis, NSF may act as a redox sensor, modulating exocytosis in response to changes in oxidative stress.

Regulation of platelet granule exocytosis by S-nitrosylation

Nitric oxide (NO) regulates platelet activation by cGMP-dependent mechanisms and by mechanisms that are not completely defined. Platelet activation includes exocytosis of platelet granules, releasing mediators that regulate interactions between platelets, leukocytes, and endothelial cells. Exocytosis is mediated in part by N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF), an ATPase that disassembles complexes of soluble NSF attachment protein receptors. We now demonstrate that NO inhibits exocytosis of dense granules, lysosomal granules, and alpha-granules from human platelets by S-nitrosylation of NSF. Platelets lacking endothelial NO synthase show increased rolling on venules, increased thrombosis in arterioles, and increased exocytosis in vivo. Regulation of exocytosis is thus a mechanism by which NO regulates thrombosis.

Nitric oxide regulates the release of somatostatin from cultured gastric rabbit primary D-cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is present in gastric D-cells. Mucosal somatostatin is diminished in H. pylori gastritis, where production of nitric oxide (NO) is increased. Therefore, we investigated the role of NO in D-cell function and the effects of prolonged exposure of D-cells to NO.

METHODS

Rabbit gastric D-cells were cultured. Somatostatin-14 was measured after 2 hours to examine the effects of arginine, nitric oxide sythase (NOS) inhibitors, and NO donors. Some cells were preincubated with a slow releasing NO donor for 12 hours. Results are expressed as percentage of total cell content. Nitrate content was measured by chemiluminescent assay.

RESULTS

L-arginine increased somatostatin-14 release in the presence of CCK8 from 4.4% +/- 0.5% to 6.4% +/- 0.4% (P < 0.02), and this was accompanied by NO release from 27 +/- 7 micromol/L to 86 +/- 12 micromol/L (P = 0.001). D-arginine and L-lysine had no effect. NOS inhibitors LNNA, SMT, and 7NI significantly attenuated the stimulatory response to L-arginine. NO donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP), 1 mmol/L, and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D-L-penicillamine, 0.1 mmol/L, significantly increased basal and cholecystokinin-8 (CCK8) stimulated somatostatin release. Oxyhemoglobin attenuated the effect of SNP but not of L-arginine. Neither cyclic guanosine monophosphate nor guanylate cyclase were involved in the response to NO. However, inhibition of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribosyltransferase significantly decreased the response to L-arginine. Preincubation for 12 hours with 150 micromol/L (Z)-1-[(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate; IP3, inositol triphosphate decreased the 2-hour cellular response to CCK8 and SNP.

CONCLUSIONS

NO regulates rabbit D-cells. Acute exposure stimulates somatostatin mediated by ADP ribosylation, whereas long-term exposure reduces cellular responses to stimuli. The latter pathway may be responsible for the suppression of somatostatin in H. pylori gastritis.

N-NO bond dissociation energies of N-nitroso diphenylamine derivatives (or analogues) and their radical anions: implications for the effect of reductive electron transfer on N-NO bond activation and for the mechanisms of NO transfer to nitranions

The heterolytic and homolytic N-NO bond dissociation energies [i.e., deltaHhet(N-NO) and deltaHhomo(N-NO)] of 12 N-nitroso-diphenylamine derivatives (1-12) and two N-nitrosoindoles (13 and 14) in acetonitrile were determined by titration calorimetry and from a thermodynamic cycle, respectively. Comparison of these two sets of data indicates that homolysis of the N-NO bonds to generate NO* and nitrogen radical is energetically much more favorable (by 23.3-44.8 kcal/mol) than the corresponding heterolysis to generate a pair of ions, giving hints for the driving force and possible mechanism of NO-initiated chemical and biological transformations. The first (N-NO)-* bond dissociation energies [i.e., deltaH(N-NO)-* and deltaH'(N-NO)-*] of radical anions 1-*-14-* were also derived on the basis of appropriate cycles utilizing the experimentally measured deltaHhet(N-NO) and electrochemical data. Comparisons of these two quantities with those of the neutral N-NO bonds indicate a remarkable bond activation upon a possible one-electron transfer to the N-NO bonds, with an average bond-weakening effect of 48.8 +/- 0.3 kcal/mol for heterolysis and 22.3 +/- 0.3 kcal/mol for homolysis, respectively. The good to excellent linear correlations among the energetics of the related heterolytic processes [deltaHhet(N-NO), deltaH(N-NO)-*, and pKa(N-H)] and the related homolytic processes [deltaHhomo(N-NO), deltaH'(N-NO)-*, and BDE(N-H)] imply that the governing structural factors for these bond scissions are similar. Examples illustrating the use of such bond energetic data jointly with relevant redox potentials for analyzing various mechanistic possibilities for nitrosation of nitranions are presented.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactive neurons in the mammalian retina

The development of immunocytochemistry has led to a better understanding of synaptic transmission carried out by neuroactive substances in the mammalian brain, including the retina. In the mammalian retina, nitric oxide (NO) is widely accepted as a neuromodulator. Histochemistry based on NADPH-d and immunocytochemistry based on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) have been used to identify the presence of nitric oxide in the mammalian retina. Certain types of amacrine cells and a class of displaced amacrine cells have been labeled consistently in all mammalian retinae studied to date. Other cell types showing NADPH-d reactivity or NOS immunoreactivity varied between species. NADPH-d reactive or NOS immunoreactive amacrine cells may serve as a source of NO for amacrine, bipolar, and ganglion cells in the inner retina, whereas interplexiform cells, bipolar cells, and horizontal cells may serve as a source of NO for the outer retina of mammals.

Distinct regulation of nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate production by steroid hormones in the rat uterus

It has previously been reported that uterine nitric oxide (NO) production is enhanced during rat pregnancy compared to non-pregnant, labouring or postpartum states. The present hypothesis is that these changes in uterine NO production during pregnancy are caused by the interplay of oestrogen and progesterone. It is further postulated that changes in cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production closely follow the changes in uterine NO synthesis. To test these hypotheses a variety of hormonal regimens (17beta-oestradiol, progesterone and combinations) were applied to different rat models (prepubertal, non-pregnant intact and ovariectomized as well as pregnant rats). The production of nitric oxide (NO) as well as basal and in-vitro NO-stimulated cGMP tissue content were measured in parallel. NO production was measured by the accumulation of nitrites and nitrates in a 24 h incubation medium as analysed by Greiss reaction. cGMP content was measured by radioimmunoassay. Diethylenetriamine/NO (DETA/NO) was used as NO donor. NO production in the rat uterus was markedly increased by pregnancy compared to other physiological (prepubertal, or cycling dioestrus) and experimentally induced (OVX) states. In contrast, uterine cGMP was significantly decreased in pregnancy. Pregnancy also inhibited the elevation in uterine cGMP after in-vitro NO challenge. Chronic 17beta-oestradiol treatment in prepubertal and/or OVX models increased NO production and also mimicked the effect of pregnancy on cGMP. Administration of progesterone in prepubertal rats induced a parallel decrease in both uterine NO and cGMP. In conclusion, sex steroid hormones distinctly regulate uterine NO and cGMP production depending upon the dose and regimen used, as well as the animal's reproductive state.

Increased progenitor cell proliferation in the peripheral blood of patients with bronchial asthma: the role of nitric oxide

BACKGROUND

Asthma exacerbation is associated with increased numbers of circulating CD34(+) progenitor cells, which may migrate to airways and develop into mature cells under the effects of cytokines and hematopoietic factors. Nitric oxide (NO) generation is enhanced in asthma and is known to suppress human hematopoiesis.

OBJECTIVES

We studied circulating progenitor cells in the blood of patients with varying severity of asthma and examined the contribution of NO to their proliferation into eosinophil-forming colonies ex vivo.

METHODS

With use of multiparameter flow cytometric analyses, the cell numbers and intracellular inducible NO synthase (iNOS) immunoreactivity of circulating CD34(+) cells in peripheral blood was measured. The serum level of GM-CSF or IL-5 was also determined. The colonies grown from progenitor cells were cultured in methylcellulose either in the presence or absence of growth factors, including GM-CSF, stem cell factor, and IL-3.

RESULTS

A significantly greater number of circulating CD34(+) cells increased together with higher intracellular iNOS immunoreactivity in moderate asthmatics compared with mild intermittent asthmatics and healthy subjects. There was no significant difference in iNOS immunoreactivities or CD34(+) progenitor cell numbers between healthy subjects and those with mild intermittent asthma. Serum levels of GM-CSF or IL-5 were significantly higher in all asthmatics compared with healthy subjects and correlated with circulating CD34(+) cells. A greater number of colonies was grown either in the presence or absence of growth factors with a higher percentage of cells of eosinophil lineage in asthmatics than in health subjects. N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester potentiated and sodium nitroprusside inhibited the colony growth in both asthmatic and healthy subjects without a significant change in the percentage of eosinophil lineage.

CONCLUSIONS

The production of NO from progenitor cells or other circulating cells may act in an autocrine or paracrine fashion to regulate progenitor cell growth and colony formation. However, this is not sufficient to control the increased proliferation of progenitor cells observed in asthma.

Thiols mediate superoxide-dependent NADH modification of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is covalently modified by NAD in the presence of nitric oxide (NO) and dithiothreitol. Replacement of NAD with NADH in the presence of SIN-1 (3-morpholinosydnonimine) and dithiothreitol increased modification 25-fold. We now demonstrate that in contrast to NO-mediated attachment of NAD, covalent attachment of NADH to GAPDH proceeds in the presence of low molecular weight thiols, independent of NO. Removal of oxygen and transition metal ions inhibited modification, consistent with a role for reactive oxygen species; inhibition by superoxide dismutase, stimulation by xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine, and the lack of an effect of catalase supported the hypothesis that superoxide, generated from thiol oxidation, was involved. Electrospray mass spectrometry showed covalent linkage of the NADH molecule to GAPDH. Characterization of the product of phosphodiesterase cleavage demonstrated that linkage to GAPDH occurred through the nicotinamide of NADH. Lys-C digestion of GAPDH, followed by peptide isolation by high performance liquid chromatography, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight analysis, and Edman sequencing, demonstrated that NADH attachment occurred at Cys-149, the active-site thiol. This thiol linkage was stable to HgCl2. Thus, linkage of GAPDH to NADH, in contrast to NAD, occurs in the presence of thiol, is independent of NO, and is mediated by superoxide.

Modulation of nitric oxide-induced apoptotic death of HL-60 cells by protein kinase C and protein kinase A through mitogen-activated protein kinases and CPP32-like protease pathways

To define the signaling pathways during NO-induced apoptotic events and their possible modulation by two protein kinase systems, we explored the involvement of three structurally related mitogen-activated protein kinase subfamilies. Exposure of HL-60 cells to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) strongly activated p38 kinase, but did not activate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In addition, SNP-induced apoptosis was markedly blocked by the selective p38 kinase inhibitor (SB203580) but not by MEK1 kinase inhibitor (PD098059), indicating that p38 kinase serves as a mediator of NO-induced apoptosis. In contrast, treatment of cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) strongly activated not only JNK but also ERK, while not affecting p38 kinase. However, although SNP by itself weakly activated CPP32-like protease, SNP in combination with PMA markedly increased the extent of CPP32-like protease activation. Interestingly, N6,O2-dibutylyl cAMP (DB-cAMP) significantly blocked SNP- or SNP plus PMA-induced activation of CPP32-like protease and the resulting induction of apoptosis. DB-cAMP also blocked PMA-induced JNK activation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the presence of specific up- or down-modulatory mechanisms of cell death pathway by NO in which (1) p38 kinase serves as a mediator of NO-induced apoptosis, (2) PKC acts at the point and/or upstream of JNK and provides signals to potentiate NO-induced CPP32-like protease activation, and (3) PKA lies upstream of either JNK or CPP32-like protease to protect NO- or NO plus PMA-induced apoptotic cell death in HL-60 cells.

Overexpression of Protein Kinase C Isoforms Protects RAW 264.7 Macrophages from Nitric Oxide-Induced Apoptosis: Involvement of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase/Stress-Activated Protein Kinase, p38 Kinase, and CPP-32 Protease Pathways

Nitric oxide (NO) induces apoptotic cell death in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. To elucidate the inhibitory effects of protein kinase C (PKC) on NO-induced apoptosis, we generated clones of RAW 264.7 cells that overexpress one of the PKC isoforms and explored the possible interactions between PKC and three structurally related mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in NO actions. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO-generating agent, activated both c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) and p38 kinase, but did not activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1 and ERK-2. In addition, SNP-induced apoptosis was slightly blocked by the selective p38 kinase inhibitor (SB203580) but not by the MAP/ERK1 kinase inhibitor (PD098059). PKC transfectants (PKC-βII, -δ, and -η) showed substantial protection from cell death induced by the exposure to NO donors such as SNP and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). In contrast, in RAW 264.7 parent or in empty vector-transformed cells, these NO donors induced internucleosomal DNA cleavage. Moreover, overexpression of PKC isoforms significantly suppressed SNP-induced JNK/SAPK and p38 kinase activation, but did not affect ERK-1 and -2. We also explored the involvement of CPP32-like protease in the NO-induced apoptosis. Inhibition of CPP32-like protease prevented apoptosis in RAW 264.7 parent cells. In addition, SNP dramatically activated CPP32 in the parent or in empty vector-transformed cells, while slightly activated CPP32 in PKC transfectants. Therefore, we conclude that PKC protects NO-induced apoptotic cell death, presumably nullifying the NO-mediated activation of JNK/SAPK, p38 kinase, and CPP32-like protease in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Sight and insight--on the physiological role of nitric oxide in the visual system

Research in the fields of cellular communication and signal transduction in the brain has moved very rapidly in recent years. Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the latest discoveries in the arena of messenger molecules. Current evidence indicates that, in visual system, NO is produced in both postsynaptic and presynaptic structures and acts as a neurotransmitter, albeit of a rather unorthodox type. Under certain conditions it can switch roles to become either neuronal 'friend' or 'foe'. Nitric oxide is a gas that diffuses through all physiological barriers to act on neighbouring cells across an extensive volume on a specific time scale. It, therefore,has the opportunity to control the processing of vision from the lowest level of retinal transduction to the control of neuronal excitability in the visual cortex.

Activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase by Yongdam-Sagan-Tang in mouse peritoneal macrophages

The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of Yongdam-Sagan-Tang (YS-Tang) on the production of nitric oxide (NO). Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with YS-Tang after the treatment of recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) resulted in increased NO synthesis. YS-Tang had no effect on NO synthesis by itself. When YS-Tang was used in combination with rIFN-gamma, there was a marked co-operative induction of NO synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal effect of YS-Tang on NO synthesis was shown 6 h after treatment with rIFN-gamma. This increase in NO synthesis was reflected as an increased amount of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein. NO production was inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. The increased production of NO from rIFN-gamma plus YS-Tang-stimulated cells was decreased by the treatment with staurosporin. In addition, synergy between rIFN-gamma and YS-Tang was mainly dependent on YS-Tang-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion. All the preparations of YS-Tang were endotoxin free. These results suggest that the capacity of YS-Tang to increase NO production from rIFN-gamma-primed mouse peritoneal macrophages is the result of YS-Tang-induced TNF-alpha secretion.

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate inhibits nitric oxide-induced apoptosis in human leukemic HL-60 cells

Previously we reported that phorbol ester, a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, exhibits a unique pattern of potentiation of nitric oxide (NO)-related apoptosis in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. Here we show that elevation of intracellular cAMP could protect HL-60 cells from NO- or NO plus PMA-induced DNA damage. Exposure of cells to sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 0.5 to 4 mM), a NO-generating agent, induced apoptotic cell death as monitored by morphological means, gel electrophoresis, and in situ TdT-apoptosis assay. However, concomitant incubation of the cells with DB-cAMP markedly inhibited SNP-induced apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Similar results were obtained with other commonly used cAMP analogs such as CPT-cAMP and 8-C1-cAMP and the intracellular cAMP-elevating agent such as forskolin. In contrast, pretreatment of HL-60 cells with H89 or KT5720, which are known to inhibit cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), abolished the protective effect of cAMP analogs and forskolin on SNP-induced apoptosis. Synergism between SNP and phorbol ester to induce apoptosis was also inhibited by prior treatment of HL-60 cells with DB-cAMP or forskolin. The effect of DB-cAMP in maintaining cell viability was not associated with the onset of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. In addition, neither dimethyl sulfoxide nor retinoic acid (which produce granulocyte differentiation) could produce cAMP effect. Under the same conditions, DB-cAMP also inhibited NO- or NO plus phorbol ester-induced apoptosis in another transformed cell line, U-937 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that exposure of HL-60 cells to cAMP analogs renders them more resistant to NO-induced DNA damage and further suggest the existence of specific down-modulatory mechanisms related to NO-induced apoptotic DNA fragmentation.

Potentiation of the activity of nitric oxide by the protein kinase C activator phorbol ester in human myeloid leukemic HL-60 cells: association with enhanced fragmentation of mature genomic DNA

Nitric oxide (NO) has been known to induce programmed cell death or apoptosis in murine macrophages, mouse splenocytes, and thymocytes. We demonstrate here that phorbol ester, a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, synergistically augments the antileukemic actions of the NO in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. Exposure of cells to sodium nitro-prusside (SNP; 0.5 to 2 mM), a NO-generating agent, induced time- and concentration-related increases in morphological changes, including condensation of nuclear chromatin, nuclear fragmentation, and the apoptotic peak of propidium iodide-stained nuclei by flow cytometry. Phorbol ester alone had a small effect on inducing DNA damage, whereas SNP in combination with phorbol ester at all concentrations tested markedly increased the extent of fragmentation. Maximal potentiation of fragmentation (e.g., four- to fivefold greater than that obtained with 0.5 mM SNP alone) was observed with simultaneous treatment of phorbol ester. Similar results were obtained with another commonly used NO donor agents such as SNAP (0.5 mM) and GSNO (0.5 mM). DNA fragmentation of HL-60 cells was also augmented by 100 U/ml human recombinant interferon-gamma but not by 1.5% (v/v) DMSO or 1 microM retinoic acid. The stage-2 tumor promotor mezerein also mimicked the effect of phorbol ester to induce NO-induced apoptosis. In contrast, PKC inhibitors such as staurosporine and 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methyl-piperazine partially blocked high concentration of SNP (2-3 mM)-induced apoptosis, suggesting that activation of PKC closely relates to the potentiation of the activity of NO on HL-60 cell apoptosis. Under the same conditions, SNP in combination with phorbol ester caused apoptosis in another transformed cell line, U-937 cells, but was ineffective at inducing apoptosis in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that exposure of HL-60 cells to phorbol ester renders them more susceptible to NO-induced DNA damage and that this phenomenon contributes to the cytotoxic effects of the NO-PKC combination in myeloid leukemia cells.

Modification of hippocampal synaptic proteins by nitric oxide-stimulated ADP ribosylation

Nitric oxide has been shown to be an important neuronal signaling molecule that participates in both behavioral and synaptic plasticity. To better understand the potential mechanisms by which NO regulates synaptic function, the ability of NO to stimulate the modification of synaptic proteins by ADP ribosylation was examined. Two NO donors, sodium nitroprusside and 3-morpholinosydnonimine, stimulated the ADP ribosylation of proteins at apparent molecular masses of 42, 48, 51, 54, and 74 kD in hippocampal synaptosomes. This stimulation was likely owing to the production of NO by the donors; ADP ribosylation was not stimulated by non-NO decomposition products of sodium nitroprusside, and quenching of superoxide anion did not inhibit Sin-1-induced ADP ribosylation. Experiments using NAD+ that was radiolabeled on the nicotinamide moiety demonstrated that the modification of proteins of molecular masses of 30, 33, and 38 kD are not true ADP ribosylation, whereas labeling of the 42-, 48-, 51-, 54-, and 74-kD proteins likely represent ADP ribosylation. Some of the substrates were brain specific (54 and 74 kD), whereas others (42 and 51 kD) were present in multiple nonbrain tissues.

Nitric oxide-dependent NAD linkage to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase: possible involvement of a cysteine thiyl radical intermediate

Previous studies have demonstrated that glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) undergoes NAD(H) linkage to an active site thiol when it comes into contact with .NO-related oxidants. We found that a free-radical generator 2,2'-azobis-(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH), which does not release either .NO or .NO-related species, was indeed able to induce the NAD(H) linkage to GAPDH. We performed spin-trapping studies with purified apo-GAPDH to identify a putative thiol intermediate produced by AAPH as well as by .NO-related oxidants. As .NO sources we used .NO gas and two .NO-donors, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine and 3-morpholinosydno-nimine hydrochloride (SIN-1). Because SIN-1 produces .NO and a superoxide radical simultaneously, we also tested the effects of peroxynitrite. All the .NO-related oxidants were able to induce the linkage of NAD(H) to GAPDH and the formation of a protein free-radical identified as a thiyl radical (inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide). .NO gas and the .NO-donors required molecular oxygen to induce the formation of the GAPDH thiyl radical, suggesting the possible involvement of higher nitrogen oxides. Thiyl radical formation was decreased by the reconstitution of GAPDH with NAD+. Apo-GAPDH was a strong scavenger of AAPH radicals, but its scavenging ability was decreased when its cysteine residues were alkylated or when it was reconstituted with NAD+. In addition, after treatment with AAPH, a thiyl radical of GAPDH was trapped at high enzyme concentrations. We suggest that the NAD(H) linkage to GAPDH is mediated by a thiyl radical intermediate not specific to .NO or .NO-related oxidants. The cysteine residue located at the active site of GAPDH (Cys-149) is oxidized by free radicals to a thiyl radical, which reacts with the neighbouring coenzyme to form Cys-NAD(H) linkages. Studies with the NAD+ molecule radio-labelled in the nicotinamide or adenine portion revealed that both portions of the NAD+ molecule are linked to GAPDH.

Nitric oxide: a review of its role in retinal function and disease

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of nitric oxide from L-arginine, exists in three major isoforms, neuronal, endothelial, and immunologic. Neuronal and endothelial isoforms are constitutively expressed, and require calcium for activation. Both of these isoforms can be induced (i.e., new protein synthesis occurs) under appropriate conditions. The immunologic isoform is not constitutively expressed, and requires induction usually by immunologic activation; calcium is not necessary for its activation. Neuronal and immunologic NOS have been detected in the retina. Neuronal NOS may be responsible for producing nitric oxide in photoreceptors and bipolar cells. Nitric oxide stimulates guanylate cyclase of photoreceptor rod cells and increases calcium channel currents. In the retina of cats, NOS inhibition impairs phototransduction as assessed by the electroretinogram. Inducible nitric oxide synthase, found in Müller cells and in retinal pigment epithelium, may be involved in normal phagocytosis of the retinal outer segment, in infectious and ischemic processes, and in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Nitric oxide contributes to basal tone in the retinal circulation. To date, findings are conflicting with respect to its role in retinal autoregulation. During glucose and oxygen deprivation, nitric oxide may increase blood flow and prevent platelet aggregation, but it may also mediate the toxic effects of excitatory amino acid release. This reactive, short-lived gas is involved in diverse processes within the retina, and its significance continues to be actively studied.

Nitric oxide inhibits viral replication in murine myocarditis

Nitric oxide (NO) is a radical molecule that not only serves as a vasodilator and neurotransmitter but also acts as a cytotoxic effector molecule of the immune system. The inducible enzyme making NO, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), is transcriptionally activated by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, cytokines which are produced during viral infection. We show that iNOS is induced in mice infected with the Coxsackie B3 virus. Macrophages expressing iNOS are identified in the hearts and spleens of infected animals with an antibody raised against iNOS. Infected mice have increased titers of virus and a higher mortality when fed NOS inhibitors. Thus, viral infection induces iNOS in vivo, and NO inhibits viral replication. NO is a novel, nonspecific immune defense against viruses in vivo.

Inhibition of ecto-5'-nucleotidase by nitric oxide donors. Implications in renal epithelial cells

We evaluated, in renal epithelial cells with a proximal tubule phenotype, the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on ecto-5 -nucleotidase (5'-N U), the underlying mechanism and its functional consequence. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 1-1000 microM), a NO donor, inhibited 5'-NU activity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Consequently, NO blunted the inhibition by extracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP, 10-1000 microM) of sodium-phosphate cotransport, a pathway which involves degradation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) by 5'-NU. SNP-induced inhibition of 5'-NU was not mediated by cyclic GMP, since it was not mimicked by atrial natriuretic peptide, and was reproduced by isosorbide dinitrate and sodium nitrate, two NO donors. SNP and genuine NO decreased the activity of 5'-NU in renal homogenates, and the effect of SNP was potentiated by dithiothreitol and glutathione, but not by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. In vivo in rats, kidney ischemia/reperfusion, which activates inducible NO-synthase, inhibited renal 5'-NU. This inhibition was prevented by Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a NO-synthase inhibitor. These results indicate that: (i) NO-related activity inhibited the activity of an ecto-enzyme, 5'-NU, most likely through S-nitrosylation of the enzyme; (ii) inhibition of 5'-NU activity by NOx, which can occur in vivo under pathophysiological conditions, affected the extent to which extracellular cAMP inhibited sodium-Pi cotransport.

Nitric oxide and the myometrium

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent smooth muscle relaxant in blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system. Recent evidence has shown that NO has a relaxant (tocolytic) effect on myometrium. NO is produced within the female genital tract during pregnancy, and a reduction in NO synthesis may be involved in the initiation of parturition. Furthermore, the administration of NO donors may be useful in inhibiting uterine contractions in situations where such activity is unwanted, e.g., in preterm labour. NO is also produced in the myometrium in the nonpregnant state, and has potential roles in the facilitation of implantation and the prevention of dysmenorrhoea. This article aims to examine the evidence suggesting that NO has a physiological role in the maintenance of pregnancy and potential pharmacological use in the treatment of preterm labour.

The purification of a cysteine-dependent NAD+ glycohydrolase activity from bovine erythrocytes and evidence that it exhibits a novel ADP-ribosyltransferase activity

An NAD+:cysteine ADP-ribosyltransferase activity was purified from bovine erythrocytes on the assumption that, like pertussis toxin, the enzyme would exhibit a cysteine-dependent NAD+ glycohydrolase activity. A three-step purification procedure was developed involving (1) precipitation with 40% (NH4)2SO4, (2) binding to a cysteine-Sepharose affinity column, and (3) binding to an NAD+ affinity column. PAGE showed a single band of M(r) 45,000. The enzyme had been purified 47,000-fold and had a specific activity of 1900 nmol nicotinamide released/min per mg. A study of the kinetic properties of this enzyme showed saturation kinetics for cysteine (Km = 4.0 mM). The ability of this enzyme to ADP-ribosylate protein was investigated using re-sealed inverted bovine erythrocyte ghosts. Incubation of the purified enzyme with erythrocyte ghosts and [adenylate-32P]NAD+ led to the enhanced dose-dependent labelling of several proteins, a doublet of high M(r) and proteins of M(r) 60,000, 55,000 and 29,000, identified by autoradiography of separated proteins on SDS/PAGE. The enzyme-catalysed labelling of the major component at M(r) 55,000 was blocked by pre-treatment of the erythrocyte ghosts with N-ethymaleimide, a sulphydryl alkylating agent, and the label was released by mercuric ion, but not by hydroxylamine. These experiments suggested that a cysteine residue on the target protein had been mono-ADP-ribosylated. This supposition was further supported by identification of the mercf1p4ion-released radiolabelled product as ADP-ribose by HPLC, and the observation that free ADP-ribose was unable to modify the membrane target protein directly.

Nitric oxide suppression of human hematopoiesis in vitro. Contribution to inhibitory action of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha

IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, potent inhibitors of hematopoiesis, induce nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in various cell types. When normal human bone marrow (BM) or CD34+ cells were exposed to NO, inhibition of colony formation was dose dependent and direct. NO induced apoptosis in BM progenitors, as shown by electrophoretic detection of DNA degradation and deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay. Using PCR and immunoprecipitation, we found inducible NOS (iNOS) mRNA and iNOS protein in BM after stimulation with IFN-gamma or TNF-alpha. iNOS mRNA was also detected by PCR in highly purified CD34+ cells; TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma increased iNOS expression. The presence of iNOS in CD34+ cells was confirmed in single cells by immunochemical staining. NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine (MM-Arg), an NOS inhibitor, partially reversed the effects of TNF-alpha and, to a lesser extent, IFN-gamma in methylcellulose culture of total BM and CD34+ cells, and inhibited apoptosis of BM cells induced by these cytokines. When the effects of competitive iNOS inhibition were tested on more immature progenitors, MM-Arg increased the number of long-term BM culture-initiating cells in control cultures but failed to protect these cells from the inhibitory action of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. Our results suggest that NO may be one mediator of cytokine-induced hematopoietic suppression.

Nitric oxide, sepsis, and arginine metabolism

Nitric oxide is one of the most versatile molecules produced by mammalian cells. Its role in sepsis and inflammation has been the subject of intense investigation since its discovery as a cell product in 1987. The role of arginine in sepsis and trauma has also received considerable attention, but most of the earlier studies on arginine preceded the studies on nitric oxide and the discovery that arginine serves as the nitrogen donor for nitric oxide synthesis. This review will explore the role that nitric oxide plays in sepsis and the effects of arginine metabolism on nitric oxide synthesis.

Protein thiol modification and apoptotic cell death as cGMP-independent nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathways

Nitric oxide signaling is achieved through both cGMP-dependent and cGMP-independent mechanisms. The latter are exemplified by protein thiol modification followed by subsequent NAD(+)-dependent automodification of the glycolytic enzyme GAPDH, or by mechanisms inducing accumulation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 and causing apoptotic cell death. Both cGMP-independent actions are initiated using NO-releasing compounds and an active LPS/cytokine-inducible NO synthase. NO-synthase inhibitors block the release of NO and hinder downstream signaling mechanisms; they are therefore valuable pharmacological tools linking a defined cellular response to various NO actions. Signal transducing mechanisms elicited by NO can be studied using GAPDH as a representative example of NO-induced protein modification and are grouped as follows: --S-Nitrosylation reactions initiated by NO+ --NAD(+)-dependent, post-translational covalent automodification of GAPDH --Oxidative modification (thiol oxidation) and inhibition of GAPDH by NO-related agents, probably ONOO- GAPDH and several other protein targets may serve as molecular sensors of elevated NO concentrations and may transmit this message through posttranslational modification and oxidation-induced conformational changes as cGMP-independent NO signaling pathways. Toxicity of NO seems to be linked to both apoptosis and necrosis, depending on the chemistry of NO it undergoes in a given biological milieu. Toxicity manifests as a relative excess of NOx, metal-NO interactions, and ONOO- formation in relation to cellular defense systems. Although accumulation of the tumor-suppressor gene product p53 in response to NO opens a regulatory mechanism known to be involved in apoptotic cell death, cGMP-independent signaling pathways remain to be elucidated. As NO-dependent modification of GAPDH would imply down-regulation of glycolysis and concomitant energy production followed by cell death, our data so far do not support this assumption. In recent years, NO has proved to be a beneficial messenger with a potentially toxic activity. It will be challenging to investigate NO biochemistry in closer detail and to elucidate how NO targets biological systems, especially in relation to its pathophysiological role.

An ADP-ribosyltransferase as a potential target for nitric oxide action in hippocampal long-term potentiation

Recent studies of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus have demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) may be involved in some forms of LTP and have suggested that postsynaptically generated NO is a candidate to act as a retrograde messenger. However, the molecular target(s) of NO in LTP remain to be elucidated. The present study examined whether either of two potential NO targets, a soluble guanylyl cyclase or an ADP-ribosyltransferase (ADPRT; EC 2.4.2.31) plays a role in LTP. The application of membrane-permeant analogs of cGMP did not produce any long-lasting alterations in synaptic strength. In addition, application of a cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor did not prevent LTP. We found that the CA1 tissue from hippocampus possesses an ADPRT activity that is dramatically stimulated by NO and attenuated by two different inhibitors of mono-ADPRT activity, phylloquinone and nicotinamide. The extracellular application of these same inhibitors prevented LTP. Postsynaptic injection of nicotinamide failed to attenuate LTP, suggesting that the critical site of ADPRT activity resides at a nonpostsynaptic locus. These results suggest that ADP-ribosylation plays a role in LTP and are consistent with the idea that an ADPRT may be a target of NO action.

Nitric oxide and NAD-dependent protein modification

Nitric oxide (NO) has been suggested to act as a regulator of endogenous intracellular ADP-ribosylation, based on radiolabelling of proteins in tissue homogenates incubated with [32P]NAD and NO. After the NO-stimulated modification was replicated in a defined system containing only the purified acceptor protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), the hypothesis of NO-stimulation of an endogenous ADP-ribosyltransferase became moot. The NO-stimulated, NAD-dependent modification of GAPDH was recently characterized as covalent binding of the whole NAD molecule to the enzyme, not ADP-ribosylation. With this result, along with the knowledge that GAPDH is stoichiometrically S-nitrosylated, the role of NO in protein modification with NAD may be viewed as the conferring of an unexpected chemical reactivity upon GAPDH, possibly due to nitrosylation of a cysteine in the enzyme active site.

Nitric oxide: a signal for ADP-ribosylation of proteins

Nitric oxide (NO), a highly reactive gas, is now established as a major messenger molecule regulating blood vessel dilation, immune functions and serving as a neurotransmitter in brain and peripheral nervous system. NO can also act as a tumoricidal and bactericidal molecule. The effect of NO to dilate blood vessels is largely explained by stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase (a heme-iron containing protein) leading to formation of cGMP and protein phosphorylation. This is considered to be the main physiological signaling mechanism of NO. NO also binds to non-heme iron-containing proteins and this has been considered as a pathophysiological or cytotoxic action of NO. Furthermore, NO, more correctly nitrosonium (NO+) which can be formed by the removal of one electron, reacts with protein SH-groups to cause the S-nitrosylation of proteins. We have recently established a link between NO and the S-nitrosylation and mono-ADP-ribosylation of the enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-monophosphate dehydrogenase, which adds a further protein modification mechanism for NO action. This links the formation of the second messenger molecule NO to post-translational protein modification and adds a new dimension to NO in the communication of intracellular signals.

Nicotinamide inhibits nitric oxide synthase mRNA induction in activated macrophages

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent mediator involved in many biological functions including inflammation and non-specific immunity. Murine macrophages possess the prototype of high-output NO synthase which is not constitutively expressed but induced within a few hours by immunological stimuli. In this study, we explored the possibility of controlling the activity of the inducible NO synthase by interfering with the transduction signal which triggers its induction, in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. We found that nicotinamide, an inhibitor of ADP-ribosylation, prevented NO synthase induction in RAW 264.7 cells after stimulation with interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, the level of NO synthase mRNA was measured by Northern-blot analysis and we found that nicotinamide prevents expression of NO synthase mRNA in IFN-gamma- and LPS-stimulated cells. Nicotinamide was also found to inhibit other macrophage functions expressed in response to IFN-gamma, i.e. tumour necrosis factor secretion and the expression of the Ia antigen of the major histocompatibility complex. Analysis of the pattern of ADP-ribosylated proteins revealed that nicotinamide as well as cholera toxin prevented the ADP-ribosylation of a 107-117 kDa protein found constitutively ADP-ribosylated in stimulated and non-stimulated macrophage extracts. Together, our results indicate ADP-ribosylation as a crucial point of the signalling pathway which leads to NO synthase mRNA induction.

Inverse relationship of the dehydrogenase and ADP-ribosylation activities in sodium-nitroprusside-treated glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is coincidental

Incubation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPD) with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) decreased its activity in concentration- and time-dependent fashion in the presence of a thiol compound, with DTT being more effective than GSH. Both forward and backward reactions were effected. Coinciding with this, HgCl2-sensitive labelling of the protein by [32P]NAD+ also increased, indicating the stimulation of ADP-ribosylation. Treatment with SNP of GAPD samples from rabbit muscle, sheep brain and yeast inactivated the dehydrogenase activity of the three, but only the mammalian proteins showed ADP-ribosylation activity. The SNP-modified protein of rabbit muscle GAPD, freed from the reagent by Sephadex filtration showed a concentration-dependent restoration of the dehydrogenase activity on preincubation with DTT and GSH. Such thiol-treated preparations also gave increased ADP-ribosylation activity with DTT, and to a lesser extent with GSH. The SNP-modified protein was unable to catalyze this activity with the native yeast enzyme and native and heat-inactivated muscle enzyme. It was possible to generate the ADP-ribosylation activity in muscle GAPD, by an NO-independent mechanism, on dialysis in Tris buffer under aerobic conditions, and on incubating with NADPH, but not NADH, in muscle and brain, but not yeast, enzymes. The results suggest that the inverse relationship of the dehydrogenase and ADP-ribosylation activities is coincidental but not correlated.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase on the surface of group A streptococci is also an ADP-ribosylating enzyme

We recently identified an enzymatically active glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.12; GAPDH) as a major protein on the surface of group A streptococci (SDH), which exhibits multiple binding activity to various mammalian proteins. We now report that the SDH molecule also functions as an ADP-ribosylating enzyme, which, in the presence of NAD, is auto-ADP-ribosylated. In a crude cell wall extract of group A streptococci, SDH is the only protein that is ADP-ribosylated. SDH found in the streptococcal cytoplasmic fraction could not be ADP-ribosylated in the presence of NAD. Treatment of ADP-ribosylated SDH with the cytoplasmic fraction removed the ADP-ribose from SDH, suggesting the presence of an ADP-ribosyl hydrolase in the cytoplasmic compartment. The covalent linkage of ADP-ribose to SDH was stable to neutral hydroxylamine, sensitive to HgCl2, and inhibitable by free cysteine, indicating that the modification was at a cysteine residue of SDH. In addition to its auto-ADP-ribosylation activity, purified SDH or streptococcal cell wall extracts were able to transfer the ADP-ribose moiety of NAD specifically to free cysteine, resulting in a true thioglycosidic linkage. Treatment of purified SDH or the crude cell wall extract with sodium nitroprusside, which spontaneously generates nitric oxide, was found to stimulate the ADP-ribosylation of SDH in a time-dependent manner. ADP-ribosylation and nitric oxide treatment inhibited the GAPDH activity of SDH. Since ADP-ribosylation and nitric oxide are involved in signal transduction events, the ADP-ribosylating activity of SDH may enable communication between host and parasite during infection by group A streptococci.

S-nitrosyl glutathione-mediated hepatocyte cytotoxicity

1. The addition of n-butyl nitrite (BN) to isolated rat hepatocytes caused rapid S-nitrosyl glutathione (GSNO) formation, then a concomitant decrease in protein thiols, followed by a marked ATP depletion. Cytotoxic concentrations of BN also caused lipid peroxidation after a long lag period but before cytotoxicity ensued. 2. Prior glutathione (GSH) depletion protected hepatocytes against the BN-induced decrease in protein thiols, ATP depletion, lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity. Thus cytotoxic effects were thought to be mediated via GSNO formed by reaction of BN with GSH, a reaction catalysed by the cytosolic fraction. 3. Cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation, but not depletion of GSH, protein thiols or ATP, could be averted by the subsequent addition of antioxidants or the iron chelator, desferoxamine. 4. Addition of the thiol reductant, dithiothreitol to BN-treated hepatocytes restored GSH and protein thiols and also prevented cytotoxicity.

Stimulation by nitric oxide of an NAD linkage to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

Nitric oxide-stimulated modification of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) by [adenylate-32P]NAD has been interpreted in recent reports as ADP-ribosylation. Incubations of GAPDH with the NO-releasing agent sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and NAD resulted, however, in essentially equal incorporation of radiolabel from the adenine, phosphate, and nicotinamide moieties to the extent of approximately 0.02 mol of NAD.mol of GAPDH-1. Modification of GAPDH by free adenosine 5'-diphosphoribose (ADP-ribose) was only 10% of that by NAD. Exposure of GAPDH modified by NAD in the presence of SNP to HgCl2, which acts at thiol linkages, released two products. Both contained nicotinamide and adenylate but did not cochromatograph with NAD. GAPDH activity was inhibited by SNP in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of NAD. When inhibition was 80%, with 1 mM SNP and 1 mM dithiothreitol, covalent modification with NAD was < 2%. This result is consistent with the conclusion that inhibition of GAPDH activity by SNP in the presence of NAD is due primarily to active-site nitrosylation, as reported by other workers, and is not due to the minor modification with NAD. These results demonstrate that NO-stimulated modification of GAPDH with NAD is not ADP-ribosylation as previously reported but rather is covalent binding of NAD through a NO-dependent thiol intermediate, possibly providing an example of an unexpected, altered reactivity of a nitrosylated protein.

Effects of nitric oxide-containing compounds on increases in cytosolic ionized Ca2+ and on aggregation of human platelets

The present study was undertaken to determine the modulatory effects of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing compounds on increases in cytosolic ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i) and on aggregation of gel-filtered human platelets induced via diverse agonists. We used various sydnonimines and organic nitrates as donors of NO. Gel-filtered and fura-2-loaded platelets were stimulated with ADP (4-8 microM), collagen (2-10 micrograms/ml) or thrombin (0.02-0.05 IU/ml), respectively. Half-maximal inhibiting effects of sydnonimines on agonist-evoked increases in [Ca2+]i were observed between 30 and 1000 nM, while half-maximal inhibiting effects of the compounds on aggregation were between 3 and 500 nM. The compound C 87-3754, which is the bioactive metabolite of pirsidomine, was a much stronger inhibitor of increases in [Ca2+]i than of platelet aggregation. This was due to an enhanced NO release from this compound exposed to ultraviolet light during Ca2+ measurement. The organic nitrates isosorbide 5-mono-nitrate and nicorandil inhibited both aggregation and increase of cytosolic ionized calcium in stimulated platelets at half-maximal concentrations of approximately 200 microM. The present results suggest that some of the effects of NO on platelets are independent of cytosolic ionized calcium. The results also suggest that some of the inhibitory effects of NO-releasing compounds correspond rather to the presence of the A forms (NO-containing intermediates) than to the presence of free NO.

Nitric oxide preferentially stimulates auto-ADP-ribosylation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase compared to alcohol or lactate dehydrogenase

Recently we demonstrated that the radical nitric oxide (NO) stimulates the auto-ADP-ribosylation of the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) resulting in enzyme inhibition. To further characterize this auto-ADP-ribosylation reaction we studied alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for comparison. Whereas auto-ADP-ribosylation of ADH was stimulated to a minor extent by the NO-liberating agent 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), LDH was unaffected. The susceptibility of dehydrogenases towards auto-ADP-ribosylation correlated with the potency of NO to decrease enzyme activity. Again, GAPDH was much more sensitive compared to ADH, whereas LDH again was unaffected. Interestingly, the efficiency of the SH-alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) to inhibit the enzymatic activity of the chosen dehydrogenases correlates with the sensitivity of dehydrogenases towards NO. These studies demonstrate the requirement of a reactive SH-group besides the NAD+ binding site as a prerequisite for NO-stimulated auto-ADP-ribosylation reactions. Furthermore, we establish that under physiological conditions and among the dehydrogenases tested, only GAPDH is a potential target for this post-translational protein modification mechanism.

Characterization of a nitric-oxide-catalysed ADP-ribosylation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

Auto-ADP-ribosylation of the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GraPDH) has recently been demonstrated to be dramatically stimulated in the presence of nitric oxide. In order to obtain insight into the sequence of events leading to ADP-ribosylation of GraPDH, we studied the target amino acid, the nucleotide cofactor requirement, pH dependency and the stoichiometry of the reaction. Basal as well as stimulated ADP-ribose transfer is inhibited by the SH-group alkylating reagent, N-ethylmaleimide. Furthermore, the radiolabel of auto-[32P]ADP-ribosylated GraPDH is removed by treatment with HgCl2, suggesting an ADP-ribose-cysteine bond. Several indirect and direct mechanistic considerations point to NAD+ as the only cofactor for the ADP-ribosylation reaction, excluding the possibility of a reaction sequence involving a NAD-glycohydrolase(s) followed by nonenzymatic ADP-ribose transfer to GraPDH. Optimal ADP-ribosylations were carried out at alkaline pH values using 10 microM free NAD+ as the sole nucleotide cofactor. Bovine serum albumin with an S-nitrosylated SH group can serve as a model of ADP-ribose transfer from NAD+ and suggests that the nitric-oxide-modified SH group (S-nitrosylated SH group) is a prerequisite for the reaction.

Modulation of endogenous ADP-ribosylation in rat brain

Endogenous ADP-ribosylation of proteins was measured in homogenates, membranes, and cytosol from rat brain regions. Several proteins were ADP-ribosylated in homogenates, especially a 49 kDa protein. Sodium nitroprusside, a source of nitric oxide, particularly enhanced the ADP-ribosylation of 47 kDa and 39 kDa proteins. Levels of basal and sodium nitroprusside-stimulated ADP-ribosylated proteins were similar, but not identical, in homogenates from the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, thalamus and cerebellum. In neonatal cerebral cortex, ADP-ribosylation of an additional 110 kDa protein was detected and this was also enhanced by sodium nitroprusside. ADP-ribosylation of the 110 kDa protein was evident one and two days after birth, but not at five days and later. Each protein demonstrated unique sensitivities to sodium nitroprusside and rates of ADP-ribosylation. Cyclic GMP did not mimic the effects of sodium nitroprusside. Mg2+ inhibited ADP-ribosylation of the 49 kDa and 47 kDa proteins but had a smaller effect on the 39 kDa protein. ADP-ribosylation in the cytosol predominantly affected only a single protein of 39 kDa, and this was stimulated by sodium nitroprusside and by addition of cofactors necessary for activation of nitric oxide synthase. Several proteins in membranes were ADP-ribosylated and the 49 and 47 kDa proteins were released from the membranes coincidentally with ADP-ribosylation. The predominate substrates of endogenous ADP-ribosylation did not appear to be substrates for pertussis toxin-induced ADP-ribosylation. These and previously published results indicate that nitric oxide generated from sodium nitroprusside or endogenous sources may have modulatory effects through regulation of the endogenous ADP-ribosylation of proteins.