Differential regulation of L-arginine transport and nitric oxide production by vascular smooth muscle and endothelium

A novel histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate formulation ameliorates intestinal injury in a cold storage and ex vivo warm oxygenated reperfusion model in rats

AIM

The present study aims to evaluate protective effects of a novel histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution (HTK-N) and to investigate positive impacts of an additional luminal preservation route in cold storage-induced injury on rat small bowels.

METHODS

Male Lewis rats were utilized as donors of small bowel grafts. Vascular or vascular plus luminal preservation were conducted with HTK or HTK-N and grafts were stored at 4°C for 8 h followed by ex vivo warm oxygenated reperfusion with Krebs-Henseleit buffer for 30 min. Afterwards, intestinal tissue and portal vein effluent samples were collected for evaluation of morphological alterations, mucosal permeability and graft vitality.

RESULTS

The novel HTK-N decreased ultrastructural alterations but otherwise presented limited effect on protecting small bowel from ischemia-reperfusion injury in vascular route. However, the additional luminal preservation led to positive impacts on the integrity of intestinal mucosa and vitality of goblet cells. In addition, vascular plus luminal preservation route with HTK significantly protected the intestinal tissue from edema.

CONCLUSION

HTK-N protected the intestinal mucosal structure and graft vitality as a luminal preservation solution. Additional luminal preservation route in cold storage was shown to be promising.

Arginase inhibition prevents the development of hypertension and improves insulin resistance in obese rats

This study investigated the temporal activation of arginase in obese Zucker rats (ZR) and determined if arginase inhibition prevents the development of hypertension and improves insulin resistance in these animals. Arginase activity, plasma arginine and nitric oxide (NO) concentration, blood pressure, and insulin resistance were measured in lean and obese animals. There was a chronological increase in vascular and plasma arginase activity in obese ZR beginning at 8 weeks of age. The increase in arginase activity in obese animals was associated with a decrease in insulin sensitivity and circulating levels of arginine and NO. The rise in arginase activity also preceded the increase in blood pressure in obese ZR detected at 12 weeks of age. Chronic treatment of 8-week-old obese animals with an arginase inhibitor or L-arginine for 4 weeks prevented the development of hypertension and improved plasma concentrations of arginine and NO. Arginase inhibition also improved insulin sensitivity in obese ZR while L-arginine supplementation had no effect. In conclusion, arginase inhibition prevents the development of hypertension and improves insulin sensitivity while L-arginine administration only mitigates hypertension in obese animals. Arginase represents a promising therapeutic target in ameliorating obesity-associated vascular and metabolic dysfunction.

Myocardial protection by co-administration of L-arginine and tetrahydrobiopterin during ischemia and reperfusion

BACKGROUND

Reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) is a key factor contributing to myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. The mechanism behind the reduction of NO is related to deficiency of the NO synthase (NOS) substrate L-arginine and cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) resulting in NOS uncoupling. The aim of the study was to investigate if the combination of L-arginine and BH4 given iv or intracoronary before reperfusion protects from reperfusion injury.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats and pigs were subjected to myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Rats received vehicle, L-arginine, BH4, L-arginine+BH4 with or without the NOS-inhibitor L-NMMA iv 5 min before reperfusion. Pigs received infusion of vehicle, L-arginine, BH4 or L-arginine+BH4 into the left main coronary artery for 30 min starting 10 min before reperfusion.

RESULTS

Infarct size was significantly smaller in the rats (50 ± 2%) and pigs (54 ± 5%) given L-arginine+BH4 in comparison with the vehicle groups (rats 65 ± 3% and pigs 86 ± 5%, P<0.05). Neither L-arginine nor BH4 alone significantly reduced infarct size. Administration of L-NMMA abrogated the cardioprotective effect of L-arginine+BH4. Myocardial BH4 levels were 3.5- to 5-fold higher in pigs given L-arginine+BH4 and BH4 alone. The generation of superoxide in the ischemic-reperfused myocardium was reduced in pigs treated with intracoronary L-arginine+BH4 versus the vehicle group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Administration of L-arginine+BH4 before reperfusion protects the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury. The cardioprotective effect is mediated via NOS-dependent pathway resulting in diminished superoxide generation.

Physiological cyclic strain promotes endothelial cell survival via the induction of heme oxygenase-1

Endothelial cells (ECs) are constantly subjected to cyclic strain that arises from periodic change in vessel wall diameter as a result of pulsatile blood flow. Application of physiological levels of cyclic strain inhibits EC apoptosis; however, the underlying mechanism is not known. Since heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a potent inhibitor of apoptosis, the present study investigated whether HO-1 contributes to the antiapoptotic action of cyclic strain. Administration of physiological cyclic strain (6% at 1 Hz) to human aortic ECs stimulated an increase in HO-1 activity, protein, and mRNA expression. The induction of HO-1 was preceded by a rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Nrf2 protein expression. Cyclic strain also stimulated an increase in HO-1 promoter activity that was prevented by mutating the antioxidant responsive element in the promoter or by overexpressing dominant-negative Nrf2. In addition, the strain-mediated induction of HO-1 and activation of Nrf2 was abolished by the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine. Finally, application of cyclic strain blocked inflammatory cytokine-mediated EC death and apoptosis. However, the protective action of cyclic strain was reversed by the HO inhibitor tin protoporphyrin-IX and was absent in ECs isolated from HO-1-deficient mice. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that a hemodynamically relevant level of cyclic strain stimulates HO-1 gene expression in ECs via the ROS-Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit EC death. The ability of cyclic strain to induce HO-1 expression may provide an important mechanism by which hemodynamic forces promote EC survival and vascular homeostasis.

Sildenafil stimulates the expression of gaseous monoxide-generating enzymes in vascular smooth muscle cells via distinct signaling pathways

Sildenafil is a cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor that augments cGMP accumulation following the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). In this study, we investigated whether sildenafil promotes the production of the sGC-stimulatory gases, carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, by stimulating the expression of the inducible isoforms of heme oxygenase (HO-1) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Sildenafil increased HO-1 expression and potentiated cytokine-mediated expression of iNOS and NO synthesis by SMCs. The induction of HO-1 was unaffected by the sGC inhibitor 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo[4,3-α]quinozalin-1-one (ODQ) or the protein kinase G inhibitor (8R,9S,11S)-(-)-2-methyl-9-methoxyl-9-methoxycarbonyl-8-methyl-2,3,9,10-tetrahydro-8,11-epoxy-1H,8H,11H-2,7b,11a-triazadibenzo(a,g)cyclocta9(cde)trinen-1-one (KT 5823). However, the sildenafil-mediated increase in HO-1 promoter activity was abolished by mutating the antioxidant responsive elements in the promoter or by overexpressing a dominant-negative mutant of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, the induction of HO-1 by sildenafil was accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and blocked by N-acetyl-L-cysteine and rotenone. In contrast, the enhancement of cytokine-stimulated NO synthesis by sildenafil was prevented by ODQ and the protein kinase A inhibitor (9S,10S,12R)-2,3,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-10-hydroxy-9-methyl-1-oxo-9,12-epoxy-1H-diindolo(1,2,3-fg:3',2',1'-kl)pyrrolo(3,4-i)(1,6)benzodiazocine-10-carboxylic acid hexyl ester (KT 5720) and duplicated by lipophilic analogs of cGMP. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that sildenafil stimulates the expression of HO-1 and iNOS via the ROS-Nrf2 and sGC-cGMP pathway, respectively. The ability of sildenafil to block the catabolism of cGMP while stimulating the synthesis of sGC-stimulatory gaseous monoxides through the induction of HO-1 and iNOS provides a potent mechanism by which cGMP-dependent vascular actions of this drug are amplified.

Activation of AMPK stimulates heme oxygenase-1 gene expression and human endothelial cell survival

The present study determined whether AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates heme oxygenase (HO)-1 gene expression in endothelial cells (ECs) and if HO-1 contributes to the biological actions of this kinase. Treatment of human ECs with the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) stimulated a concentration- and time-dependent increase in HO-1 protein and mRNA expression that was associated with a prominent increase in nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein. Induction of HO-1 was also observed in rat carotid arteries after the in vivo application of AICAR. Induction of HO-1 by AICAR was blocked by the AMPK inhibitor compound C, the adenosine kinase inhibitor 5'-iodotubercidin, and by silencing AMPK-α(1/2) and was mimicked by the AMPK activator A-769662 and by infecting ECs with an adenovirus expressing constitutively active AMPK-α(1). AICAR also induced a significant rise in HO-1 promoter activity that was abolished by mutating the antioxidant responsive elements of the HO-1 promoter or by the overexpression of dominant negative Nrf2. Finally, activation of AMPK inhibited cytokine-mediated EC death, and this was prevented by the HO inhibitor tin protoporphyrin-IX or by silencing HO-1 expression. In conclusion, AMPK stimulates HO-1 gene expression in human ECs via the Nrf2/antioxidant responsive element signaling pathway. The induction of HO-1 mediates the antiapoptotic effect of AMPK, and this may provide an important adaptive response to preserve EC viability during periods of metabolic stress.

Activation of AMPK stimulates heme oxygenase-1 gene expression and human endothelial cell survival

The present study determined whether AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates heme oxygenase (HO)-1 gene expression in endothelial cells (ECs) and if HO-1 contributes to the biological actions of this kinase. Treatment of human ECs with the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) stimulated a concentration- and time-dependent increase in HO-1 protein and mRNA expression that was associated with a prominent increase in nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein. Induction of HO-1 was also observed in rat carotid arteries after the in vivo application of AICAR. Induction of HO-1 by AICAR was blocked by the AMPK inhibitor compound C, the adenosine kinase inhibitor 5'-iodotubercidin, and by silencing AMPK-α(1/2) and was mimicked by the AMPK activator A-769662 and by infecting ECs with an adenovirus expressing constitutively active AMPK-α(1). AICAR also induced a significant rise in HO-1 promoter activity that was abolished by mutating the antioxidant responsive elements of the HO-1 promoter or by the overexpression of dominant negative Nrf2. Finally, activation of AMPK inhibited cytokine-mediated EC death, and this was prevented by the HO inhibitor tin protoporphyrin-IX or by silencing HO-1 expression. In conclusion, AMPK stimulates HO-1 gene expression in human ECs via the Nrf2/antioxidant responsive element signaling pathway. The induction of HO-1 mediates the antiapoptotic effect of AMPK, and this may provide an important adaptive response to preserve EC viability during periods of metabolic stress.

Tubular and glomerular L-arginine transport (uptake and transporters) and the nitric oxide synthases in ischemic acute renal failure (iARF) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-DM)

BACKGROUND

L-arginine or its metabolites may be important pathogenetic factors in ischemic acute renal failure (iARF) in rats. It was found that the L-arginine-nitric oxide synthase-nitric oxide system plays an important role in the renal hemodynamic alterations in the early stages of diabetes. The iARF in diabetic rats is much more severe than the normal rats exposed to a same ischemia time. The purpose of the present study was to evaluated L-arginine uptake and its transporters and nitric oxide synthase isoform expression in tubuli and glomeruli of STZ-induced diabetic rats with iARF.

METHODS

iARF was induced by right nephrectomy and left renal artery clamping for 60 min followed by a 60 min reflow period. iARF was induced in STZ diabetes rats two weeks after intraperitoneal streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) and in normal control rats. L-arginine uptake, L-arginine transporters (CAT1 and CAT2) and nitric oxide synthases (iNOS, eNOS, and bNOS) were determined by RT-PCR) in both glomeruli and tubuli preparations.

RESULTS

The STZ diabetic rats compared with the non diabetic normal rats have a higher glomerular L-arginine uptake, higher iNOS mRNA, lower eNOS mRNA, and lower tubular CAT1 mRNA, eNOS mRNA, and bNOS mRNA. The diabetic iARF after one hour of reperfusion had lower glomerular L-arginine uptake, lower CAT1 mRNA, lower eNOS mRNA, lower bNOS, and higher tubular iNOS mRNA compared with iARF in normal rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a prolonged and more severe post-glomerular vasoconstriction very early after the reflow in the iARF of STZ diabetic rats compared with the iARF in the normal control rats. That may be a plausible explanation to the very significant decline in GFR and tubular necrosis that characterize the iARF in diabetic rats.

Plasma amino acid profile and L-arginine uptake in red blood cells from malnourished uremic patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with end-stage chronic renal failure (CRF) (uremia) have a high prevalence of inflammation, malnutrition, and oxidative stress. All of these features seem to be associated with the increased cardiovascular mortality observed in these patients. Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the pathogenesis of CRF. The present study investigates the effects of nutritional status on L-arginine transport (NO precursor), plasma amino acid profile, and concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in uremic patients on hemodialysis (HD).

METHODS

A total of 32 uremic patients on regular HD and 16 healthy controls were included in this study. Kinetic studies of L-arginine transport, mediated by cationic transport systems y(+) and y(+)L into red blood cells, plasma concentrations of amino acids (measured by high-performance liquid chromatography), and plasma TNF-alpha level (evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), were analyzed in malnourished and well-nourished patients (isolated by body mass index).

RESULTS

L-arginine influx by system y(+) in red blood cells (micromol/L cells(-1)h(-1)) was increased in both malnourished (377 +/- 41) and well-nourished (461 +/- 63) patients with CRF compared with controls (287 +/- 28). Plasma levels of all cationic amino acids (L-arginine, L-ornithine, and L-lysine) were low in uremic patients compared with controls. Among the uremic population, the reduction in plasma cationic amino acids levels was greater in malnourished patients. L-cysteine and L-glutamate, precursors of glutathione, were dramatically increased in plasma from uremic patients, independently of nutritional status. In addition, TNF-alpha concentration in plasma was enhanced in malnourished uremic patients (3.4 +/- 0.7 pg/mL) compared with controls (1.2 +/- 0.1 pg/mL) and well-nourished patients (1.9 +/- 0.1 pg/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest an increased catabolism of cationic amino acids, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress in CRF, especially in malnourished patients. The reduced plasma concentration of plasma L-arginine is counterbalanced by enhanced rates of transport, resulting in an activation of NO synthesis in uremia.

Metabolic profiling of livers and blood from obese Zucker rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Obesity frequently leads to changes in fatty acid metabolism with subsequent fatty infiltration in the liver.

METHODS

In this study, metabolic profile of the livers and blood from lean and obese Zucker rats was established based on quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analysis.

RESULTS

(1)H NMR on liver lipid extracts indicated significantly increased concentrations of total fatty acids and triglycerides. (31)P NMR on liver extracts revealed that obese livers have a compromised energy balance (low [ATP/ADP]) with decreased mitochondrial activity. Simultaneously, increased glycolytic activity was detected. The most pronounced differences were highly increased methionine and decreased betaine concentrations in obese animals. This suggests a significant alteration in methionine metabolism, which may be in part responsible for the development of steatosis, induction of mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased vulnerability of fatty livers to ischemia/reperfusion injury. A trend towards decreased hepatic glutathione concentrations as well as a reduced [PUFA/MUFA] ratio were present in the obese group, indicating increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, NMR analysis on blood and liver tissue from obese Zucker rats reveals specific metabolic abnormalities in mitochondrial function and methionine metabolism, which result in a decreased hepatic energy state.

Hyperhomocystinemia impairs endothelial function and eNOS activity via PKC activation

OBJECTIVE

A risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hyperhomocystinemia (HHcy), is associated with endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we examined the mechanistic role of HHcy in endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Through the use of 2 functional models, aortic rings and intravital video microscopy of the cremaster, we found that arterial relaxation in response to the endothelium-dependent vessel relaxant, acetylcholine or the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activator (A23187), was significantly impaired in cystathionine beta-synthase null (CBS(-/-)) mice. However, the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) response to the nitric oxide (NO) donor (SNAP) was preserved in CBS(-/-) mice. In addition, superoxide dismutase and catalase failed to restore endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity was significantly reduced in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) of CBS(-/-) mice, as well as in Hcy-treated mouse and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Hcy-mediated eNOS inhibition--which was not rescued by adenoviral transduction of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, or by tetrahydrobiopterin, sepiapterin, and arginine supplementations in MAEC--was associated with decreased protein expression and increased threonine 495 phosphorylation of eNOS in HAECs. Ultimately, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF109203X (GFX), reversed Hcy-mediated eNOS inactivation and threonine 495 phosphorylation in HAECs.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that HHcy impairs endothelial function and eNOS activity, primarily through PKC activation.

Induction of iNOS restricts functional activity of both eNOS and nNOS in pig cerebral artery

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of iNOS expression on eNOS and nNOS functional activity in porcine cerebral arteries. iNOS was induced in pig basilar arteries using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Arteries expressing iNOS generated NO and relaxed when challenged with L-arginine (30 microM), an effect that was reduced by treatment with dexamethasone (coincubated with LPS) and prevented by the iNOS inhibitor 1400 W (administered 10 min prior to precontraction). eNOS was activated by A23187 and was found to be impaired in arteries that had iNOS induced (A23187 1 microM relaxation: control 110+/-8%, LPS-treated 50+/-16% ; p<0.05, N=5-6). This was due mainly to reduced formation of NO by A23187 (NO concentration in response to A23187 1 microM: control 25+/-6 nM, LPS-treated 0.8+/-1.2 nM; p<0.001, N=5-6), in addition to a small reduction in the vasodilator response to the NO-donors NOC-22 and SIN-1. Cerebral vasodilation produced by stimulation of intramural nitrergic nerves was impaired in arteries that had iNOS induced, and this was reversed by 1400 W (control 23+/-4% relaxation, LPS-treated 11+/-1% relaxation, LPS plus 1400 W 10 microM treated 25+/-2% relaxation; p<0.01 for control versus LPS, N=6). It is concluded that the induction of iNOS in cerebral arteries reduces NO-mediated vasodilation initiated by eNOS and by nNOS, primarily by modulation of NO formation.

Differential regulation of glomerular arginine transporters (CAT-1 and CAT-2) in lipopolysaccharide-treated rats

The decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) that is characteristic of sepsis has been shown to result from inhibition of glomerular endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) by nitric oxide (NO) generated from the inducible isoform of NOS (iNOS). Although l-arginine is the sole precursor for NO biosynthesis, its intracellular availability in glomeruli from septic animals has never been investigated. Arginine uptake was measured in freshly harvested glomeruli from the following experimental groups: 1) untreated rats; 2) rats pretreated with LPS (4 mg/kg body wt, 4 h before experiments); 3) rats treated with LPS as above with either l-N(6)-(1-iminoethyl)lysine hydrochloride (l-NIL), a selective iNOS antagonist, or 7-nitroindazole, a selective neuronal NOS antagonist; and 4) rats treated with l-NIL only. Both glomeular and mesangial arginine transport characteristics were found compatible with a y(+) system. Arginine uptake was augmented in glomeruli from LPS-treated rats. Treatment with l-NIL completely abolished this effect whereas l-NIL alone had no effect. Similar results were obtained when primary cultures of rat mesangial cells were preincubated with LPS (10 microg/ml for 24 h) with or without l-NIL. Using RT-PCR, we found that in vivo administration of LPS resulted in a significant increase in glomerular cationic amino acid transporter-2 (CAT-2) mRNA expression whereas CAT-1 mRNA was undetected. Northern blotting further confirmed a significant increase in glomerular CAT-2 by LPS. In mesangial cells, the expression of both CAT-1 and CAT-2 mRNA was augmented after incubation with LPS. In conclusion, in vivo administration of LPS augments glomerular arginine transport through upregulation of steady-state CAT-2 mRNA while downregulating CAT-1 mRNA. These results may correspond to the changes in glomerular iNOS and eNOS activity in sepsis.

Esophageal dysmotility and the change of synthesis of nitric oxide in a feline esophagitis model

The present study explores the changes of nitric oxide synthesis and esophageal dysmotility in a feline model of esophagitis. Perfusion of the esophagus with acid produced inflammatory changes of esophageal mucosa. The esophageal motility was measured before and after the perfusion. The nitric oxide synthase activity, the l-arginine uptake, and the content of cyclic guanine monophosphate of the muscle and the mucous membrane were determined and the NADPH-diaphorase was stained. Esophagitis impairs the motility of the esophagus. The nitric oxide synthase activity, the content of cyclic guanine monophosphate, the NADPH-diaphorase stain and the maximum velocity of l-arginine uptake of lower esophageal sphincter of the cats in the acid perfusion group were higher than those of the control group. The maximum velocity of l-arginine transport and the content of cyclic guanine monophosphate of the mucosa in the acid perfusion group were lower than those of the control group. The results suggested that during esophagitis there is an alteration of the l-arginine/nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide pathway in the esophagus, which may be one of the important mechanisms of esophageal motility dysfunction.

Regulation of amino acid and glucose transporters in endothelial and smooth muscle cells

While transport processes for amino acids and glucose have long been known to be expressed in the luminal and abluminal membranes of the endothelium comprising the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers, it is only within the last decades that endothelial and smooth muscle cells derived from peripheral vascular beds have been recognized to rapidly transport and metabolize these nutrients. This review focuses principally on the mechanisms regulating amino acid and glucose transporters in vascular endothelial cells, although we also summarize recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms controlling membrane transport activity and expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. We compare the specificity, ionic dependence, and kinetic properties of amino acid and glucose transport systems identified in endothelial cells derived from cerebral, retinal, and peripheral vascular beds and review the regulation of transport by vasoactive agonists, nitric oxide (NO), substrate deprivation, hypoxia, hyperglycemia, diabetes, insulin, steroid hormones, and development. In view of the importance of NO as a modulator of vascular tone under basal conditions and in disease and chronic inflammation, we critically review the evidence that transport of L-arginine and glucose in endothelial and smooth muscle cells is modulated by bacterial endotoxin, proinflammatory cytokines, and atherogenic lipids. The recent colocalization of the cationic amino acid transporter CAT-1 (system y(+)), nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and caveolin-1 in endothelial plasmalemmal caveolae provides a novel mechanism for the regulation of NO production by L-arginine delivery and circulating hormones such insulin and 17beta-estradiol.

In vivo measurement of nitric oxide production in porcine gut, liver and muscle during hyperdynamic endotoxaemia

1. During prolonged endotoxaemia, an increase in arginine catabolism may result in limiting substrate availability for nitric oxide (NO) production. These effects were quantitated in a chronically instrumented porcine endotoxaemia model. 2. Ten days prior to the beginning of the experiments, pigs were catheterized. On day 0, pigs received a continuous infusion of endotoxin (3 microg kg(-1) h(-1)) over 24 h and were saline resuscitated. Blood was drawn from the catheters at 0 and 24 h during primed-infusion of (15)N(2)-arginine and P-aminohippurate to assess (15)N(2)-arginine to (15)N-citrulline conversion and plasma flow rates, respectively, across the portal-drained viscera, liver and hindquarter. 3. During endotoxin infusion a hyperdynamic circulation with elevated heart rate, cardiac index and decreased mean arterial pressure was achieved, characteristic of the human septic condition. 4. Endotoxin induced NO production by the portal-drained viscera and the liver. The increased NO production was quantitatively matched by an increase in arginine disposal. Nitrite/nitrate levels remained unchanged during endotoxaemia. 5. Despite an increased arginine production from the hindquarter and an increased whole-body arginine appearance rate during endotoxin infusion, the plasma arginine concentration was lower in endotoxin-treated animals than in controls. 6 On a whole-body level, the muscle was found to serve as a major arginine supplier and, considering the lowered arginine plasma levels, seems critical in providing arginine as precursor for NO synthesis in the splanchnic region.

Hypertension in relation to nitric oxide, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and inflammation: different patterns in heart transplant recipients and individuals with essential hypertension

BACKGROUND

Most heart transplant (HTx) recipients develop hypertension, characterized by increased peripheral vascular tone and endothelial dysfunction. Reduced levels of nitric oxide (NO) have been found in essential hypertension, and herein we investigated the possible role of altered concentrations of NO in posttransplant hypertension.

METHODS

Plasma levels of the NO-derived end products NO2(-) + NO3(-), the endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were examined in 65 stable hypertensive long-term (6 years [range 1-13]) survivors of HTx. HTx recipients were compared with 39 individuals with essential hypertension and 25 normotensive controls. RESULTS Hypertensive HTx recipients had raised NO2(-) + NO3(-) levels in plasma, positively correlated with 24-hour mean blood pressure (BP). In contrast, individuals with essential hypertension had decreased NO2(-) + NO3(-) concentration comparing controls, inversely correlated with 24-hour mean BP. Moreover, although TNF-alpha levels were significantly raised in HTx recipients compared with both healthy controls and individuals with essential hypertension, it was positively correlated to 24-hour BP and NO2(-) + NO3(-). Although only a slight increase was found in essential hypertension, no correlations were found in these nontransplant individuals. Finally, although asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) tended to be raised in essential hypertension, this endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor was significantly decreased in HTx recipients compared with normotensive controls.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that different mechanisms may be operating in the pathogenesis of posttransplant compared with essential hypertension, with persistent inflammation, raised NO2(-) + NO3(-), and decreased ADMA levels characterizing the former group.

L-Arginine transport is augmented through up-regulation of tubular CAT-2 mRNA in ischemic acute renal failure in rats

BACKGROUND

Ischemic acute renal failure (iARF) is associated with increased nitric oxide (NO) production during the reperfusion period, as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is maximally activated, and renal tubular inducible NOS (iNOS) is stimulated. Increased NO production leads to augmented tubular injury, probably through the formation of peroxynitrite. l-Arginine (l-Arg), the only precursor for NO, is transported into cells by cationic amino acid transporters, CAT-1 and CAT-2. We hypothesized that the increased NO production observed in iARF may result from increased l-Arg uptake, which would be reflected in the augmented expression of l-Arg transporter(s).

METHODS

Ischemic acute renal failure was induced in rats by right nephrectomy + left renal artery clamping for 60 minutes. l-Arg uptake was examined in freshly harvested glomeruli and tubuli from control, sham operated, and animals subjected to 15, 30, and 60 minutes, and 24 hours of reperfusion, following 60 minutes of ischemia. Using RT-PCR, renal tissues were examined further for the expression of iNOS, CAT-1, CAT-2, arginase I and arginase II.

RESULTS

Tubular expression of iNOS mRNA was initiated by ischemia, continued to increase after 60 minutes of reperfusion, and decreased after 24 hours. l-Arg transport into glomeruli was similar in all experimental groups. l-Arg uptake into tubuli was markedly augmented following the 60-minute reperfusion, while it moderately increased after 24 hours of reperfusion. This was accompanied by a parallel, preferential increase in tubular CAT-2 mRNA expression at 60 minutes of reperfusion. CAT-1 mRNA expression was unchanged, as detected by RT-PCR. In addition, the expression of arginase II and arginase I mRNA was attenuated by 30 minutes and one hour of reperfusion, and returned to baseline values after 24 hours of reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic ARF is associated with augmented tubular CAT-2 mRNA expression, which leads to enhanced l-Arg transport and increased NO production. This may contribute to the renal injury exhibited in iARF.

Two-way arginine transport in human endothelial cells: TNF-alpha stimulation is restricted to system y(+)

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells transport arginine through two Na(+)-independent systems. System y(+)L is insensitive to N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), inhibited by L-leucine in the presence of Na(+), and referable to the expression of SLC7A6/y(+)LAT2, SLC7A7/y(+)LAT1, and SLC3A2/4F2hc. System y(+) is referable to the expression of SLC7A1/CAT1 and SLC7A2/CAT2B. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide induce a transient stimulation of arginine influx and efflux through system y(+). Increased expression of SLC7A2/CAT2B is detectable from 3 h of treatment, while SLC7A1 expression is inhibited at later times of incubation. System y(+)L activity and expression remain unaltered. Nitric oxide synthase type 2 mRNA is not detected in the absence or presence of TNF-alpha, while the latter condition lowers nitric oxide synthase type 3 expression at the mRNA and the protein level. Nitrite accumulation is comparable in cytokine-treated and control cells up to 48 h of treatment. It is concluded that modulation of endothelial arginine transport by TNF-alpha or lipopolysaccharide occurs exclusively through changes in CAT2B and CAT1 expression and is dissociated from stimulation of nitric oxide production.

Exhaled NO in asthmatic children in unpolluted and urban environments

BACKGROUND

NO production (NOex) in the airway epithelium is increased in asthmatic patients and is potently inhibited by anti-inflammatory treatments. The study was designed to compare the: (i) levels of NOex in two groups of asthmatic children residing in different environments (one in a national park in the mountains and the other in a large city) and (ii) the influence of glucocorticoids on levels of NOex between the children and those without treatment.

METHODS

The measurements were performed during the same period in the two locations, 100 km apart. NOex was measured using a chemiluminescence analyzer in controls and two comparable groups of asthmatic children. The first group included 63 children (10+/-3 years) recruited from a specialized institution for asthmatic children, and the second group consisted of 46 asthmatic children (9+/-3 years) living in an urban area. A reference group of 17 healthy children residing in the same city was also studied.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

The concentrations of NOex in children in the specialized institution were significantly lower (P<.001) than those in asthmatic children living in the city (5.1+/-2.4 vs. 13.8+/-9.3 ppb) and comparable to those in healthy controls (5.3+/-4.0 ppb). In the urban area, NOex levels increased when atmospheric pollution recorded on the previous day had increased. In contrast to that observed in the urban children, glucocorticoids had little influence on the levels of NOex in the children living in the specialized institution.

CONCLUSIONS

Although these relationships need to be confirmed, our findings show that for the determination of NOex, specifying the quality of the environment, in particular, the purity of the air respired by asthmatic children, not only at the time of measurement but also over the previous days, is important.

Nitric oxide and postangioplasty restenosis: pathological correlates and therapeutic potential

Balloon angioplasty revolutionized interventional cardiology as a nonsurgical procedure to clear a diseased artery of atherosclerotic blockage. Despite its procedural reliability, angioplasty's long-term outcome can be compromised by restenosis, the recurrence of arterial blockage in response to balloon-induced vascular trauma. Restenosis constitutes an important unmet medical need whose pathogenesis has yet to be understood fully and remains to be solved therapeutically. The radical biomediator, nitric oxide (NO), is a natural modulator of several processes contributing to postangioplasty restenosis. An arterial NO deficiency has been implicated in the establishment and progression of restenosis. Efforts to address the restenosis problem have included trials evaluating a wide range of NO-based interventions for their potential to inhibit balloon-induced arterial occlusion. All types of NO-based interventions yet investigated benefit at least one aspect of balloon injury to a naive vessel in a laboratory animal without inducing significant side effects. The extent to which this positive, albeit largely descriptive, body of experimental data can be translated into the clinic remains to be determined. Further insight into the pathogenesis of restenosis and the molecular mechanisms by which NO regulates vascular homeostasis would help bridge this gap. At present, NO supplementation represents a unique and potentially powerful approach to help control restenosis, either alone or as a pharmaceutical adjunct to a vascular device.

L-Arginine in coronary atherosclerosis

Nitric oxide is formed from the N-guanido terminal of the amino acid L-arginine and from molecular oxygen by nitric oxide synthase enzymes. L-arginine administration improves the coronary blood flow response to acetylcholine in patients with normal coronary arteries and hypercholesterolemia, reverses the defective endothelium-dependent vasodilation associated with an elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein level or hypercholesterolemia, dilates coronary epicardial arteries and stenoses, enhances nitric oxide generation, and inhibits lesion formation after balloon angioplasty. Stimulation of endogenous nitric oxide production could inhibit atherogenesis, and therefore may be of benefit in patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Physiological cyclic stretch directs L-arginine transport and metabolism to collagen synthesis in vascular smooth muscle

Application of cyclic stretch (10% at 1 hertz) to vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) increased L-arginine uptake and this was associated with a specific increase in cationic amino acid transporter-2 (CAT-2) mRNA. In addition, cyclic stretch stimulated L-arginine metabolism by inducing arginase I mRNA and arginase activity. In contrast, cyclic stretch inhibited the catabolism of L-arginine to nitric oxide (NO) by blocking inducible NO synthase expression. Exposure of SMC to cyclic stretch markedly increased the capacity of SMC to generate L-proline from L-arginine while inhibiting the formation of polyamines. The stretch-mediated increase in L-proline production was reversed by methyl-L-arginine, a competitive inhibitor of L-arginine transport, by hydroxy-L-arginine, an arginase inhibitor, or by the ornithine aminotransferase inhibitor L-canaline. Finally, cyclic stretch stimulated collagen synthesis and the accumulation of type I collagen, which was inhibited by L-canaline. These results demonstrate that cyclic stretch coordinately stimulates L-proline synthesis by regulating the genes that modulate the transport and metabolism of L-arginine. In addition, they show that stretch-stimulated collagen production is dependent on L-proline formation. The ability of hemodynamic forces to up-regulate L-arginine transport and direct its metabolism to L-proline may play an important role in stabilizing vascular lesions by promoting SMC collagen synthesis.

Influence of hypertension on nitric oxide synthase expression and vascular effects of lipopolysaccharide in rat mesenteric arteries

1. Experiments were designed to investigate the effects of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) stimulator, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), on noradrenaline (NA) responses and on NOS activity and its expression in intact mesenteric resistance arteries (MRAs) from Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. 2. In MRAs from WKY, LPS (10 microg ml(-1); 1-5 h) reduced the vasoconstrictor responses to NA (0.1 - 30 microM) in the presence, but not in the absence of L-arginine (L-Arg, 10 microM). However, in SHR arteries, LPS induced an incubation-time dependent reduction of NA responses in the absence, as well as the presence, of L-Arg. The LPS inhibitory effect was reduced by the non-specific NOS inhibitor L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM) and the selective iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine (100 microM). 3. L-NAME alone similarly shifted the concentration-response curve to NA leftward in arteries from both strains, while aminoguanidine had no effect. L-Arg shifted the curve to NA rightward only in SHR MRAs. 4. Basal activity of both iNOS and constitutive NOS (conversion of [(3)H]-L-Arg to [(3)H]-L-citrulline) was similar in arteries from both strains. After 5 h incubation with LPS, only iNOS activity in arteries from SHR was increased. 5. Basal iNOS protein expression was undetectable; basal endothelial (eNOS) protein expression was similar in arteries from both strains, while neuronal (nNOS) was greater in arteries from SHR. LPS induced iNOS protein expression, that was higher in arteries from SHR than in those from WKY. 6. These results indicate that NO production, via iNOS induction, is greater than in those from MRAs from SHR to WKY.

Studies of L-arginine transport in bovine aortic endothelial cells

We have previously demonstrated that p(1),p(4)-diadenosine 5'-tetraphosphate induces the release of NO and modulates the uptake of L-arginine by bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) [Hilderman, R. H., and Christensen, E. F. (1998) FEBS Lett. 407, 320-324; Hilderman, R. H., Casey, T. E., and Pojoga, L. H. (2000) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 375, 124-130]. In this communication we characterize the uptake of L-Arg by BAEC. L-Arg is transported into BAEC by at least two different transporter systems. One transporter system is protein synthesis dependent, and L-Arg transported by this system is incorporated into proteins. The second transporter system involved in L-Arg uptake is protein synthesis independent, and uptake occurs by facilitated diffusion. The L-Arg transported by facilitated diffusion is metabolized into L-argininosuccinate. Homologous and heterologous competition uptake studies were performed using a fixed concentration of radiolabeled L-Arg, L-lysine, and L-leucine with varying concentrations of competing nonradiolabeled amino acids. The results of these competition uptake studies are consistent with the protein-synthesis-dependent uptake of L-Arg taking place through a transporter system that is highly specific for L-Arg and with the facilitated diffusion uptake taking place through a transporter that is specific for L-Arg and L-Leu.

Nitric oxide enhances PGI(2)production by human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

To evaluate the effect of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) and endogenous NO on the production of prostacyclin (PGI(2)) by cultured human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMC) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-1(beta)(IL-1(beta)), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF(alpha)) or interferon gamma (IFN(gamma)), HPASMC were treated with LPS and cytokines together with or without sodium nitroprusside (SNP), NO donor, N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), NO synthetase inhibitor, and methylene blue (MeB), an inhibitor of the soluble guanylate cyclase. After incubation for 24 h, the postculture media were collected for the assay of nitrite by chemiluminescence method and the assay of PGI(2)by radioimmunoassay. The incubation of HPASMC with various concentrations of LPS, IL-1(beta)or TNF(alpha)for 24 h caused a significant increase in nitrite release and PGI(2)production. However, IFN(gamma)slightly increased the release of nitrite and had little effect on PGI(2)production. Although the incubation of these cells for 24 h with SNP did not cause a significant increase in PGI(2)production, the incubation of HPASMC with SNP and 10 microg/ml LPS, or with SNP and 100 U/ml IL-1(beta)further increase PGI(2)production and this enhancement was closely related to the concentration of SNP. However, stimulatory effect of SNP on PGI(2)production was not found in TNF(alpha)- and IFN(gamma)- treated HPASMC. Addition of L-NMMA to a medium containing LPS or IL-1(beta)reduced nitrite release and attenuated the stimulatory effect of those agents on PGI(2)production. MeB significantly suppressed the production of PGI(2)by HPASMC treated with or without LPS or IL-1(beta). The addition of SNP partly reversed the inhibitory effect of MeB on PGI(2)production by HPASMC. These experimental results suggest that NO might stimulate PGI(2)production by HPASMC. Exogenous NO together with endogenous NO induced by LPS or cytokines from smooth muscle cells might synergetically enhance PGI(2)production by these cells, possibly in clinical disorders such as sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

P(1),P(4)-Diadenosine 5'-tetraphosphate modulates l-arginine and l-citrulline uptake by bovine aortic endothelial cells

We have previously demonstrated that P(1),P(4)-diadenosine 5'-tetraphosphate (Ap(4)A) interacts with high-affinity and low-affinity binding sites on the bovine aortic endothelial cell (BAEC) surface. In this report we demonstrate that Ap(4)A interaction with the lower affinity site modulates l-arginine (l-Arg) and l-citrulline (l-Cit) uptake by BAEC. Competition uptake studies demonstrate that l-Arg and l-Cit uptake occurs through a common transporter system that is sensitive to Ap(4)A. Evidence is also presented that is consistent with Ap(4)A modulating l-Arg uptake by increasing the affinity of l-Arg for the transporter.

Synergistic cytokine-induced nitric oxide production in human alveolar epithelial cells

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator molecule in regulating normal airway function, as well as in the pathophysiology of inflammatory airway diseases. In addition, cytokines are potent messenger molecules at sites of inflammation. The specific relationship among IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma on iNOS induction and NO synthesis in human alveolar epithelial cells has not been determined. In addition, rigorous methods to determine potential synergistic action between the cytokines have not been employed. We exposed monolayer cultures of A549 cells to a factorial combination of three cytokines (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma) and three concentrations (0, 5, and 100 ng/mL). TNF-alpha alone does not induce NO production directly; however, it does have a stimulatory effect on IL-1beta-induced NO production. IL-1beta and INF-gamma both induce NO production alone, yet at different concentration thresholds, and act synergistically when present together. In the presence of all three cytokines, the net effect of NO production exceeds the predicted additive effect of each individual cytokine and the two-way interactions. Several plausible mechanisms of synergy among IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma in NO production from human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) are proposed. In order to verify the proposed mechanisms of synergy, future experimental and theoretical studies must address several molecular steps through which the iNOS gene is expressed and regulated, as well as the expression and regulation of enzyme cofactors and substrates.

Antiatherosclerotic activity of drugs in relation to nitric oxide function

Many studies have shown that loss of endothelium-derived nitric oxide is a major factor of ischemic episodes in patients with coronary artery disease and there is increasing evidence to suggest that nitric oxide might exert antiatherosclerotic actions. Based on these concepts, the results of animal studies on the effects of lipid lowering drugs, antioxidants, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, Ca2+ channel blockers, estrogens and agents which modulate nitric oxide bioavailability are presented and compared to the results of patient studies and clinical trials. In spite of encouraging results obtained with antioxidants in animals, clinical trials could only show a clear positive effect of vitamin E treatment on the outcome of cardiovascular disease. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors can ameliorate endothelial dysfunction in coronary heart disease, but their impact on disease progression remains unclear. There is evidence that estrogen replacement therapy in post-menopausal women may increase the bioavailability of nitric oxide. Finally, improved endothelial function and plaque stability clearly contribute to the clinical benefits of lipid lowering interventions, statins in particular. Taken together, these studies lend support to the concept that improving endothelial function and nitric oxide release might serve as valuable elements in the prevention or therapy of cardiovascular disease.

Cationic amino acid transporter gene expression in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and in rats

Immunostimulants trigger vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to express the inducible isoform of NO synthase (iNOS) and increased arginine transport activity. Although arginine transport in VSMC is considered to be mediated via the y+ system, we show here that rat VSMC in culture express the cat-1 gene transcript as well as an alternatively spliced transcript of the cat-2 gene. An RT-PCR cloning sequence strategy was used to identify a 141-base nucleotide sequence encoding the low-affinity domain of alternatively spliced CAT-2A and a 138-base nucleotide sequence encoding the high-affinity domain of CAT-2B in VSMC activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in combination with interferon-gamma (IFN). With this sequence as a probe, Northern analyses showed that CAT-1 mRNA and CAT-2B mRNA are constitutively present in VSMC, and the expression of both mRNAs was rapidly stimulated by treatment with LPS-IFN, peaked within 4 h, and decayed to basal levels within 6 h after LPS-IFN. CAT-2A mRNA was not detectable in unstimulated or stimulated VSMC. Arginine transporter activity significantly increased 4-10 h after LPS-IFN. iNOS activity was reduced to almost zero in the absence of extracellular arginine uptake via system y+. Induction of arginine transport seems to be a prerequisite to the enhanced synthesis of NO in VSMC. Moreover, this work demonstrates tissue expression of CAT mRNAs with use of a model of LPS injection in rats. RT-PCR shows that the expression of CAT-1 and CAT-2B mRNA in the lung, heart, and kidney is increased by LPS administration to rats, whereas CAT-2A mRNA is abundantly expressed in the liver independent of LPS treatment. These findings suggest that together CAT-1 and CAT-2B play an important role in providing substrate for high-output NO synthesis in vitro as well as in vivo and implicate a coordinated regulation of intracellular iNOS enzyme activity with membrane arginine transport.

Regional and subcellular distribution of a neutral and basic amino acid transporter in forebrain neurons containing nitric oxide synthase

The neutral and basic amino acid transporter (NBAT) facilitates sodium-independent transport of L-amino acids in renal and intestinal epithelial cells and has been postulated to play a similar role in neurons. In previous studies, NBAT has been detected within enteric and brainstem autonomic neurons in a distribution similar to that of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS). Furthermore, L-arginine, the required precursor for nitric oxide synthesis, is an excellent NBAT substrate. Together, these findings suggest that NBAT may play a role in the regulation of nitric oxide synthesis, through the control of precursor availability. To gain insight into the potential physiological role of NBAT in central neurons, we used an antipeptide antiserum to examine the light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical localization of NBAT in the rat forebrain and to compare this distribution with that of cNOS. Immunolabeling for NBAT was detected within perikarya and dendrite-like processes that were most numerous in the frontal and cingulate cortex, the ventral striatum, the central amygdala, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Labeled varicose axonal processes were distributed most densely in the agranular insular cortex and the paraventricular nuclei of the thalamus and hypothalamus (PVH). Electron microscopy showed that immunogold labeling for NBAT was distributed along plasmalemmal and vacuolar membranes within somata, dendrites, and axonal profiles. Many of the NBAT-containing somata and dendrites contained detectable cNOS. Our results suggest that expression of NBAT may provide specific populations of cNOS-containing forebrain neurons with a unique mechanism for regulating somatodendritic synthesis of nitric oxide.

Serum nitrates and creatinine in workers exposed to atmospheric nitrogen oxides and ammonia

An epidemiological survey was carried out on 332 workers in a nitrogen fertilizer factory exposed to various levels of NO, NO2, NO3- and NH3. The population was divided into six groups as a function of the atmospheres in the different workshops and compared with a control group recruited outside the factory. We investigated the relations between the exposures of the different groups and serum levels of three nitrogen-containing derivatives involved in arginine metabolism: nitrates, creatinine and urea. The workers most exposed to the hydrogenated and oxygenated compounds of nitrogen were found to have the highest serum nitrates. Further analysis of the results showed that inhaled nitrogen oxides and ammonia were only partly responsible for the circulating nitrates. The excess nitrates were thought to have an endogenous origin due to inflammatory reactions induced by the pollutants, especially ammonia. In addition, we showed that the workers from the two groups exposed to both NO and NH3 had significantly elevated levels of serum creatinine (P < 0.001). The excess creatinine was thought to have derived from the interaction of the exogenous NO with arginine metabolites.

The possible role of nitric oxide in the physiopathology of pain associated with temporomandibular joint disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) pose a significant challenge to the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. When painful, TMD are generally associated with hyperthermia of the overlying skin. It is hypothesized that this skin hyperthermia, caused by regional vasodilation, is induced by nitric oxide (NO) produced in the extravascular space of the joint. Extravascular NO can be produced by osteoblasts, chondrocytes and macrophages, or by stimulated neurons. It is suggested that this kind of pain is associated with NO-enhanced sensitivity of the peripheral nociceptors. Verification and clinical implications of the proposed mechanism are discussed.

L-arginine and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester cause macromolecule extravasation in the microcirculation of awake hamsters

We investigated the effects of L-arginine and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on macromolecule extravasation in the microcirculation of awake hamsters by computer-assisted image analysis of the distribution of FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate)-dextran fluorescence in dorsal fold skin preparations. This analysis made it possible to simultaneously study the time course of local (skin) and general (all irrigated organs) extravasation in 180-min experiments. Bolus injection of 30 or 150 mg/kg (i.v.) L-arginine induced immediate local and general macromolecule leakage and delayed venule dilation beginning 1 h later. Injection of 20 or 100 mg/kg (i.v.) L-NAME caused rapid venule constriction followed by local and general extravasation beginning 45-60 min later. These effects of L-arginine and L-NAME were not mimicked by their biologically inactive isomers, D-arginine and D-NAME. Simultaneous bolus injection of 20 mg/kg L-NAME and 150 mg/kg L-arginine caused no significant change in fluorescence distribution or venule diameter. L-arginine effects on macromolecule extravasation were mimicked by sodium nitroprusside (10 microg/kg, i.v.) and by 8-bromo-cGMP (1 mg/kg, i.v.). Sodium nitroprusside was ineffective on venule diameter. The effects of both L-arginine and sodium nitroprusside on FITC-dextran extravasation were prevented by simultaneous injection (10 microg/kg, i.v.) of the specific inhibitor of the soluble guanylate cyclase, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). This dose of ODQ mimicked the effects of L-NAME on macromolecule extravasation and venule diameter. Taken together, these results suggest that activation or inhibition of basal NO synthesis might induce macromolecule leakage in the microcirculation of awake hamsters via temporally distinct cGMP-dependent mechanisms.

Transporters for cationic amino acids in animal cells: discovery, structure, and function

The structure and function of the four cationic amino acid transporters identified in animal cells are discussed. The systems differ in specificity, cation dependence, and physiological role. One of them, system y+, is selective for cationic amino acids, whereas the others (B[0,+], b[0,+], and y+ L) also accept neutral amino acids. In recent years, cDNA clones related to these activities have been isolated. Thus two families of proteins have been identified: 1) CAT or cationic amino acid transporters and 2) BAT or broad-scope transport proteins. In the CAT family, three genes encode for four different isoforms [CAT-1, CAT-2A, CAT-2(B) and CAT-3]; these are approximately 70-kDa proteins with multiple transmembrane segments (12-14), and despite their structural similarity, they differ in tissue distribution, kinetics, and regulatory properties. System y+ is the expression of the activity of CAT transporters. The BAT family includes two isoforms (rBAT and 4F2hc); these are 59- to 78-kDa proteins with one to four membrane-spanning segments, and it has been proposed that these proteins act as transport regulators. The expression of rBAT and 4F2hc induces system b[0,+] and system y+ L activity in Xenopus laevis oocytes, respectively. The roles of these transporters in nutrition, endocrinology, nitric oxide biology, and immunology, as well as in the genetic diseases cystinuria and lysinuric protein intolerance, are reviewed. Experimental strategies, which can be used in the kinetic characterization of coexpressed transporters, are also discussed.

Endotoxin impairs agonist-induced calcium mobilization in bovine aortic myocytes by a nitric oxide-independent mechanism

We hypothesized that endotoxin (LPS) would impair vasoconstrictor-agonist-induced calcium (Ca2+) mobilization by a nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanism. We incubated bovine aortic myocytes (passages 16 to 23) for 22 to 24 hours with 0 to 1.0 mg/ml Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Medium (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) + 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS)) was assayed for nitrite (chemiluminescence), and myocytes were loaded with fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (fura-2AM), after which we assessed basal and thrombin (10 U/ml)-induced peak Ca2+ mobilization by microspectrofluorimetry. LPS (0.01 to 1.0 mg/ml) led to dose-dependent nitrite accumulation, which was blocked by coincubation with N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 1 mmol/L). LPS also impaired Ca2+ responses in a dose-dependent manner (from -13% at 0.1 mg/ml to -47% at 1.0 mg/ml, n = 8 to 43/dose). However, coincubation with L-NAME did not ameliorate the Ca2+ mobilization defect (peak Ca2+ increments: control = 419 +/-30 nmol/L, vs LPS (1 mg/ml) = 206+/-18 nmol/L (mean+/-SE), n = 15; p < 0.001; control/L-NAME: 417+/-31 nmol/L vs LPS/L-NAME: 212+/-19 nmol/L; n = 17 p < 0.001), despite inhibition of associated nitrite accumulation in the medium (control vs LPS: p < 0.001; control/L-NAME vs LPS/L-NAME: p > 0.05; LPS vs LPS/L-NAME: p < 0.001). Supplemental L-arginine augmented LPS-induced nitrite generation without affecting Ca2+ mobilization. Indomethacin failed to prevent the LPS-induced decrement in thrombin response, but did inhibit LPS-induced myocyte nitrite production, suggesting "crosstalk" between the NO-synthase and cyclo-oxygenase (COX) systems. These experiments suggest that LPS-induced vascular contractile impairment is at least partly mediated by an NO-independent impairment of agonist-induced myocyte Ca2+ mobilization. This further suggests that any important contribution of NO synthesis to LPS-induced contractile dysfunction must depend on impairment of the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus (i.e., pharmacomechanical coupling).

Effect of endothelium removal on prostaglandin and nitric oxide function in pulmonary resistance arteries in the lamb

We have recently shown that isolated pulmonary resistance arteries of the fetal lamb have prostaglandin (PG) I2 based and nitric oxide (NO) based relaxing mechanisms, which are activated by oxygen (at neonatal levels) and bradykinin. The present study was carried out to ascertain whether these mechanisms remain operational after removal of the endothelium. Endothelium-denuded vessels pre-equilibrated at a neonatal PO2 were not affected by indomethacin (2.8 µM), while they contracted weakly to NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 µM). However, the latter response did not reach significance and resembled that of intact vessels at fetal PO2. Bradykinin (0.1-100 nM) dose dependently (from 1-3 nM upwards) relaxed endothelium-denuded arteries that had been precontracted with a thromboxane (TX) A2 analog (ONO-11113, 0.1 µM) or excess potassium (5 mM Ca2+ in K+-Krebs) at a neonatal PO2. The response was the same under the two conditions, but it was smaller than that of intact arteries. Bradykinin relaxation of ONO-11113-contracted arteries was completely or nearly completely inhibited by indomethacin and L-NAME. We conclude that endothelium-denuded, pulmonary resistance arteries maintain PG (conceivably PGI2) mediated and NO-mediated relaxing mechanisms. These extra-endothelial mechanisms are activated by bradykinin but not by oxygen.Key words: perinatal pulmonary circulation, endothelium, nitric oxide, prostaglandin, oxygen.

Lysophosphatidylcholine regulates cationic amino acid transport and metabolism in vascular smooth muscle cells. Role in polyamine biosynthesis

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC) is a major component of atherogenic lipids that stimulate vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. Because cationic amino acids are metabolized to growth-stimulatory polyamines, we examined whether lyso-PC regulates the transcellular transport and metabolism of cationic amino acids by vascular SMC. Treatment of SMC with lyso-PC initially (0-2 h) decreased cationic amino acid uptake, whereas longer exposures (6-24 h) progressively increased transport. Kinetic studies indicated that lyso-PC-induced inhibition was associated with a decrease in affinity for cationic amino acids, but the stimulation was mediated by an increase in transport capacity. Lyso-PC strongly induced the expression of cationic amino acid transporter-2 mRNA while modestly elevating the level of cationic amino acid transporter-1 mRNA. In addition, lyso-PC stimulated intracellular cationic amino acid metabolism by inducing ornithine decarboxylase activity and mRNA expression and also by inducing arginase activity in vascular SMC. In contrast, lyso-PC inhibited the catabolism of L-arginine to nitric oxide by blocking inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Lyso-PC increased markedly the capacity of SMC to generate putrescine, a polyamine, from extracellular L-ornithine and L-arginine. The lyso-PC-mediated increase in the production of putrescine was reversed by NG-methyl-L-arginine, a competitive inhibitor of cationic amino acid transport, or by alpha-difluoromethylornithine, an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor. The formation of putrescine from L-arginine was also prevented by arginase inhibitor NG-hydroxy-L-arginine. These results demonstrate that lyso-PC stimulates polyamine synthesis in vascular SMC by inducing the expression of the genes that regulate both the transport and metabolism of cationic amino acids. The actions of lyso-PC in stimulating cationic amino acid uptake and directing their metabolism to growth-stimulatory polyamines while simultaneously inhibiting the synthesis of antiproliferative NO, may contribute to lyso-PC-induced SMC proliferation and atherosclerotic lesion formation.

Effect of L-lysine on nitric oxide overproduction in endotoxic shock

1. An enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine, related to the diffuse expression of an inducible NO synthase (iNOS), contributes to the pathogenesis of endotoxic shock. Since iNOS activity depends on extracellular L-arginine, we hypothesized that limiting cellular L-arginine uptake would reduce NO production in endotoxic shock. We investigated the effects of L-lysine, an inhibitor of L-arginine uptake through system y+, on NO production, multiple organ dysfunction and lactate levels, in normal and endotoxaemic rats. 2. Anaesthetized rats challenged with intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg kg[-1]) received a 5 h infusion of either L-lysine (500 micromol kg(-1) h(-1), n = 12) or isotonic saline (2 ml kg(-1) h(-1), n = 11). In rats treated with saline, LPS produced a large increase in plasma nitrate and L-citrulline concentrations at 5 h, both markers of enhanced NO production. LPS also caused severe hypotension, low cardiac output and marked hyperlactataemia. All these changes were significantly reduced by L-lysine administration. 3. Endotoxaemia also caused a significant rise in the plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), lipase, urea and creatinine, and hence, liver, pancreatic and renal dysfunction. These changes tended to be less pronounced in rats treated with L-lysine, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. 4. Similar experiments were conducted in 10 rats challenged with LPS vehicle in place of LPS and then treated with L-lysine (500 micromol kg(-1) h(-1), n = 5) or saline (2 ml kg(-1) h(-1), n = 5) for 5 h. In these animals, all the haemodynamic and metabolic variables remained stable and not statistically different between both treatment groups, except for a slight rise in ALAT, which was comparable in L-lysine and saline-treated rats. 5. In conclusion, L-lysine, an inhibitor of cellular L-arginine uptake, reduces NO production and exerts beneficial haemodynamic effects in endotoxaemic rats. L-lysine also reduces hyperlactataemia and tends to blunt the development of organ injury in these animals. Contrastingly, L-lysine has no effects in the absence of endotoxin and thus appears to act as a selective modulator of iNOS activity.

Role of nitric oxide in the physiopathology of pain

Many painful disorders, including joint dysfunctions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), are associated with hyperthermia of the overlying skin. The same is true of certain intractable chronic pain conditions, such as chronic orofacial pain, which may be associated with TMD. We suggest that this skin hyperthermia, caused by regional vasodilation, is induced by extravascular nitric oxide (NO). Extravascular NO can be produced in the affected joint by osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and macrophages, by mechanical stimulation of endothelial cells, or by stimulated neurons. In view of a strong correlation between pain and skin hyperthermia in these disorders, and the evidence that NO enhances the sensitivity of peripheral nociceptors, we also suggest that at least this kind of pain is associated with excessive local level of NO. This hypothesis can be verified by dynamic area telethermometry, assessing the effect of NO on the sympathetic nervous function. This mechanism, which is in line with the general role of NO as a mediator between different organ systems, also may be relevant to any pain associated with enhanced immune response. Clinical implications of the proposed mechanism are discussed.

Angiotensin receptor antagonists delay nitric oxide-deficient stroke in stroke-prone rats

We investigated whether chronic deficiency of nitric oxide (NO) in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) precipitates stroke and whether exogenous nitrates and other pharmacological agents can prevent stroke. Groups of five-week-old male SHRSP rats chronically received saline, L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in saline, L-NAME along with pharmacological agents (L-arginine, isosorbide dinitrate, enalapril maleate and L-158,809; angiotensin receptor antagonist; 5,7-dimethyl-2-ethyl-3(-)[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]meth yl]-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine) in saline to drink. The development of visible neurological deficits following various treatments was considered as an occurrence of stroke. Within hours following onset of stroke, the rats were anesthetized, catheterized and attached to a Cardiomax blood pressure recorder. SHRSP treated with L-NAME (10+/-2 mg/day) developed stroke in 11+/-2 days while no neurological deficit was seen in animals receiving saline till the end of the study period (35 days). Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system with enalapril or L-158,809 significantly delayed the onset of stroke (19+/-2 and 20+/-2 days, respectively), but caused only slight reductions in mean arterial blood pressure. These results suggest that chronic inhibition of NO synthase in SHRSP is associated with the development of stroke and such stroke appears to be renin-angiotensin system-dependent.

Interference of L-arginine analogues with L-arginine transport mediated by the y+ carrier hCAT-2B

The inducible human cationic amino acid transporter hCAT-2B was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and this system was used to test the effect of several NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors and/or L-arginine analogues on L-arginine transport by this y+ carrier. L-NG-Methyl-L-arginine (L-NMA), asymmetrical L-NG, NG-dimethyl-L-arginine (L-ADMA), L-N5-(1-iminoethyl)-ornithine (L-NIO), L-NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), and L-NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) all inhibited the inducible NOS II extracted from RAW 264.7 macrophages induced with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. L-NMA, L-ADMA, and L-NIO also competed with L-arginine for transport by hCAT-2B, whereas L-NNA and L-NAME did not. The two L-arginine analogues, symmetrical NG, NG-dimethyl-L-arginine (L-SDMA) and alpha-amino-delta-isothioureidovaleric acid (AITV), as well as L-lysine, did not block enzymatic activity of NOS II, but did compete for L-arginine transport mediated by hCAT-2B. L-Lysine and L-SDMA were transported efficiently by hCAT-2B and exchanged against intracellular L-arginine, resulting in an L-arginine depletion of the cells. AITV was a much poorer substrate of hCAT-2B and had only little effect on intracellular L-arginine concentrations. These data indicate that substrate recognition differs markedly between the inducible L-arginine transporter hCAT-2B and the inducible NOS II, with different L-arginine analogues having affinity to only one or both of these proteins.