Role of the NO-GC/cGMP signaling pathway in platelet biomechanics

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a second messenger produced by the NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC). The NO-GC/cGMP pathway in platelets has been extensively studied. However, its role in regulating the biomechanical properties of platelets has not yet been addressed and remains unknown. We therefore investigated the stiffness of living platelets after treatment with the NO-GC stimulator riociguat or the NO-GC activator cinaciguat using scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM). Stimulation of human and murine platelets with cGMP-modulating drugs decreased cellular stiffness and downregulated P-selectin, a marker for platelet activation. We also quantified changes in platelet shape using deep learning-based platelet morphometry, finding that platelets become more circular upon treatment with cGMP-modulating drugs. To test for clinical applicability of NO-GC stimulators in the context of increased thrombogenicity risk, we investigated the effect of riociguat on platelets from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients taking abacavir sulfate (ABC)-containing regimens. Our results corroborate a functional role of the NO-GC/cGMP pathway in platelet biomechanics, indicating that biomechanical properties such as stiffness or shape could be used as novel biomarkers in clinical research.

Dual deletion of guanylyl cyclase-A and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in podocytes with aldosterone administration causes glomerular intra-capillary thrombi

Natriuretic peptides exert not only blood-lowering but also kidney-protective effects through guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A), a natriuretic peptide receptor. Signaling through GC-A has been shown to protect podocytes from aldosterone-induced glomerular injury, and a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor reduced glomerular injury in aldosterone-infused podocyte-specific GC-A knockout mice. To explore the role of p38 MAPK in podocytes, we constructed podocyte-specific p38 MAPK and GC-A double knockout mice (pod-double knockout mice). Unexpectedly, aldosterone-infused and high salt-fed (B-ALDO)-treated pod-double knockout mice resulted in elevated serum creatinine, massive albuminuria, macrophage infiltration, foot process effacement, nephrin and podocin reduction, and additionally, intra-capillary fibrin thrombi, indicating endothelial injury. Microarray analysis showed increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in glomeruli of B-ALDO-treated pod-double knockout mice. In B-ALDO-treated pod-double knockout mice, PAI-1 increased in podocytes, and treatment with PAI-1 neutralizing antibody ameliorated intra-capillary thrombus formation. In vitro, deletion of p38 MAPK by the CRISPR/Cas9 system and knockdown of GC-A in human cultured podocytes upregulated PAI-1 and transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF-β1). When p38 MAPK knockout podocytes, transfected with a small interfering RNA to suppress GC-A, were co-cultured with glomerular endothelial cells in a transwell system, the expression of TGF-β1 was increased in glomerular endothelial cells. PAI-1 inhibition ameliorated both podocyte and endothelial injury in the transwell system signifying elevated PAI-1 in podocytes is a factor disrupting normal podocyte-endothelial crosstalk. Thus, our results indicate that genetic dual deletion of p38 MAPK and GC-A in podocytes accelerates both podocyte and endothelial injuries, suggesting these two molecules play indispensable roles in podocyte function.

Treatment effects of soluble guanylate cyclase modulation on diabetic kidney disease at single-cell resolution

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of renal failure. Therapeutics development is hampered by our incomplete understanding of animal models on a cellular level. We show that ZSF1 rats recapitulate human DKD on a phenotypic and transcriptomic level. Tensor decomposition prioritizes proximal tubule (PT) and stroma as phenotype-relevant cell types exhibiting a continuous lineage relationship. As DKD features endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide depletion, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is a promising DKD drug target. sGC expression is specifically enriched in PT and stroma. In ZSF1 rats, pharmacological sGC activation confers considerable benefits over stimulation and is mechanistically related to improved oxidative stress regulation, resulting in enhanced downstream cGMP effects. Finally, we define sGC gene co-expression modules, which allow stratification of human kidney samples by DKD prevalence and disease-relevant measures such as kidney function, proteinuria, and fibrosis, underscoring the relevance of the sGC pathway to patients.

The NO/cGMP/PKG pathway in platelets: The therapeutic potential of PDE5 inhibitors in platelet disorders

Platelets are the "guardians" of the blood circulatory system. At sites of vessel injury, they ensure hemostasis and promote immunity and vessel repair. However, their uncontrolled activation is one of the main drivers of thrombosis. To keep circulating platelets in a quiescent state, the endothelium releases platelet antagonists including nitric oxide (NO) that acts by stimulating the intracellular receptor guanylyl cyclase (GC). The latter produces the second messenger cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) that inhibits platelet activation by stimulating protein kinase G, which phosphorylates hundreds of intracellular targets. Intracellular cGMP pools are tightly regulated by a fine balance between GC and phosphodiesterases (PDEs) that are responsible for the hydrolysis of cyclic nucleotides. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is a cGMP-specific PDE, broadly expressed in most tissues in humans and rodents. In clinical practice, PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are used as first-line therapy for erectile dysfunction, pulmonary artery hypertension, and lower urinary tract symptoms. However, several studies have shown that PDE5i may ameliorate the outcome of various other conditions, like heart failure and stroke. Interestingly, NO donors and cGMP analogs increase the capacity of anti-platelet drugs targeting the purinergic receptor type Y, subtype 12 (P2Y12) receptor to block platelet aggregation, and preclinical studies have shown that PDE5i inhibits platelet functions. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of PDE5i on platelet activation and aggregation focusing on the therapeutic potential of PDE5i in platelet disorders, and the outcomes of a combined therapy with PDE5i and NO donors to inhibit platelet activation.

The interaction between hippocampal cholinergic and nitrergic neurotransmission coordinates NMDA-dependent behavior and autonomic changes induced by contextual fear retrieval

RATIONALE

Re-exposing an animal to an environment previously paired with an aversive stimulus evokes large alterations in behavioral and cardiovascular parameters. Dorsal hippocampus (dHC) receives important cholinergic inputs from the basal forebrain, and respective acetylcholine (ACh) levels are described to influence defensive behavior. Activation of muscarinic M1 and M3 receptors facilitates autonomic and behavioral responses along threats. Evidence show activation of cholinergic receptors promoting formation of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in dHC. Altogether, the action of ACh and NO on conditioned responses appears to converge within dHC.

OBJECTIVES

As answer about how ACh and NO interact to modulate defensive responses has so far been barely addressed, we aimed to shed additional light on this topic.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats had guide cannula implanted into the dHC before being submitted to the contextual fear conditioning (3footshocks/085 mA/2 s). A catheter was implanted in the femoral artery the next day for cardiovascular recordings. Drugs were delivered into dHC 10 min before contextual re-exposure, which occurred 48 h after the conditioning procedure.

RESULTS

Neostigmine (Neo) amplified the retrieval of conditioned responses. Neo effects (1 nmol) were prevented by the prior infusion of a M1-M3 antagonist (fumarate), a neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (NPLA), a NO scavenger (cPTIO), a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (ODQ), and a NMDA antagonist (AP-7). Pretreatment with a selective M1 antagonist (pirenzepine) only prevented the increase in autonomic responses induced by Neo.

CONCLUSION

The results show that modulation in the retrieval of contextual fear responses involves coordination of the dHC M1-M3/NO/cGMP/NMDA pathway.

The nitric oxide pathway participates in lordosis behavior induced by central administration of leptin

Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of leptin facilitates lordosis behavior in ad libitum-fed, estrogen-primed rats. The cellular mechanism involved in this response is unknown. The present study tested the hypothesis that the nitric oxide-guanylyl cyclase, cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) pathway is involved in the facilitation of lordosis behavior induced by the central administration of leptin. We tested the importance of the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway for lordosis stimulation by either icv infusion of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) or a nitric oxide-dependent, soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (ODQ) 30 min before leptin administration (1 μg). This dose of leptin reliably induced lordosis behavior in ovariectomized estradiol benzoate treated rats. The lordosis induced by leptin at 1 and 2h after infusion was significantly reduced by the previous injection of either L-NAME or by ODQ. Intracerebroventricular infusion of the PKG inhibitor (KT5823) 30 min before leptin infusion, also significantly inhibited the lordosis behavior induced by leptin at 1 and 2h after hormone administration. These data support the hypothesis that the nitric oxide/cGMP/PKG pathway is involved in the facilitation of lordosis by leptin in estrogen-primed female rats.

Methylene blue for the treatment of septic shock

Septic shock is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit, and effective therapies are limited. Methylene blue is a selective inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, a second messenger involved in nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation. The use of methylene blue in the treatment of septic shock has been repeatedly evaluated over the past 20 years, but data remain scarce. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of methylene blue for the treatment of septic shock, we conducted a literature search of the EMBASE (1974-June 2009), MEDLINE (1966-June 2009), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-June 2009) databases. All available studies published in English were reviewed. Observational studies with methylene blue have demonstrated beneficial effects on hemodynamic parameters and oxygen delivery, but use of methylene blue may be limited by adverse pulmonary effects. Methylene blue administration is associated with increases in mean arterial pressure while reducing catecholamine requirements in patients experiencing septic shock; however, its effects on morbidity and mortality remain unknown. Well-designed, prospective evaluations are needed to define the role of methylene blue as treatment of septic shock.

Riociguat, an oral soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, progressive and often fatal disease for which only a limited number of drugs have proven to be of clinical benefit. One of the therapeutic approaches for this disease is the induction of pulmonary vasodilation via stimulation of the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated pathway. Abnormalities in the NO/soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) axis and enhanced PDE5 activity render currently available drugs ineffective in many patients with PAH. Bayer AG is developing riociguat, an oral sGC stimulator, for the potential treatment of patients with PAH. Treatment with riociguat abrogated the severity of pulmonary hypertension in rodent models of the disease. Published data from phase I and II clinical trials demonstrated that riociguat was well tolerated, with single doses significantly decreasing pulmonary arterial pressure and increasing cardiac output and physical-exercise tolerance in patients with PAH. A decrease in systemic arterial diastolic pressure was the only significant side effect reported. Ongoing phase II and III trials for riociguat have been designed to address the long-term safety and clinical effectiveness of the drug in different types of pulmonary hypertension. Should the results of these trials demonstrate that riociguat is superior to current therapies, such as cyclic AMP-dependent drugs and endothelin receptor antagonists, the drug could become the preferred pharmacological treatment for patients with PAH.

Cancer mucosa antigens as a novel immunotherapeutic class of tumor-associated antigen

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Surgery and chemoradiation exhibit incomplete efficacy and, ultimately, 50% of patients die of metastatic disease. In the context of that unmet clinical need, immunotherapeutic approaches have enjoyed limited success, partly because of a paucity of suitable antigen targets. However, exploitation of immune compartmentalization, employing antigens with expression restricted to normal intestinal mucosa and derivative colorectal tumors--cancer mucosa antigens (CMAs)--may represent a previously unrecognized class of immune targets supporting efficacious antitumor immunotherapy. Guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) is an intestine/colorectal cancer-restricted protein ideally suited as the first CMA for clinical evaluation.

Exisulind and guanylyl cyclase C induce distinct antineoplastic signaling mechanisms in human colon cancer cells

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sulindac is metabolized to sulindac sulfone (exisulind), an antineoplastic agent that inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in solid tumors. In colon cancer cells, the antineoplastic effects of exisulind have been attributed, in part, to induction of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) signaling through inhibition of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterases, which elevates intracellular cGMP, and novel expression of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) Ibeta, the presumed downstream effector mediating apoptosis. Here, inhibition of proliferation and induction of cell death by exisulind was dissociated from cGMP signaling in human colon cancer cells. Accumulation of intracellular cGMP produced by an exogenous cell-permeant analogue of cGMP or a potent agonist of guanylyl cyclase C yielded cytostasis without cell death. Surprisingly, the antiproliferative effects of induced cGMP accumulation were paradoxically less than additive, rather than synergistic, when combined with exisulind. Further, although exisulind induced expression of PKG Ibeta, it did not elevate intracellular cGMP and its efficacy was not altered by inhibition or activation of PKG I. Rather, PKG I induced by exisulind may mediate desensitization of cytostasis induced by cGMP. Thus, cytotoxic effects of exisulind are independent of cGMP signaling in human colon cancer cells. Moreover, combination therapies, including exisulind and agents that induce cGMP signaling, may require careful evaluation in patients with colon cancer.

Detection of angiotensin II mediated nitric oxide release within the nucleus of the solitary tract using electron-paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy

We previously identified an action of nitric oxide (NO) within the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) that attenuates the cardiac component of the baroreceptor reflex. In the present study we have tested the hypothesis that angiotensin II (AngII), acting on angiotensin type 1 receptors (AT1R), can release NO within the NTS and that its actions are mediated by soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). Utilising cryogenic electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), we have detected NO release in brainstem samples following AngII, but not saline, microinjections into the NTS. In these experiments, we confirmed that both AngII and a NO donor (diethylamine NONOate) in the NTS both depressed the baroreflex bradycardia. In additional studies, we showed that the latter effects were both sensitive to blockade of sGC using 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). To initiate studies to resolve the cellular source of NO released by angiotensin II in the NTS, we performed immunohistochemical/electron microscopy studies on the distribution of AT1R. We found AT1R located on NTS neurones and blood vessels. Since a rise in intracellular calcium [Ca]i levels is prerequisite for nNOS activation, we imaged responses in [Ca]i in NTS neurones during exposure to AngII in vitro using confocal microscopy. Our data indicate a paucity of neurones showing changes in [Ca]i when exposed to AngII (200 nM). We suggest that AngII-induced release of NO is from non-neuronal sites. With the presence of AT1R on blood vessel endothelial cells we propose that AngII released NO in the NTS is due to activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase located within the endothelium. The present study supports the novel concept that AngII can trigger NO release in the NTS by a mechanism of vascular-neuronal signalling that affects central neuronal networks regulating cardiovascular function.

Nitric oxide in B6 mouse and nitric oxide-sensitive soluble guanylate cyclase in cat modulate acetylcholine release in pontine reticular formation

ACh regulates arousal, and the present study was designed to provide insight into the neurochemical mechanisms modulating ACh release in the pontine reticular formation. Nitric oxide (NO)-releasing beads microinjected into the pontine reticular formation of C57BL/6J (B6) mice significantly (P < 0.0001) increased ACh release. Microdialysis delivery of the NO donor N-ethyl-2-(1-ethyl-2-hydroxy-2-nitrosohydrazino)-ethanamine (NOC-12) to the mouse pontine reticular formation also caused a concentration-dependent increase in ACh release (P < 0.001). These are the first neurochemical data showing that ACh release in the pontine reticular formation of the B6 mouse is modulated by NO. The signal transduction cascade through which NO modulates ACh release in the pontine reticular formation has not previously been characterized. Therefore, an additional series of studies quantified the effects of a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), on ACh release in the cat medial pontine reticular formation. During naturally occurring states of sleep and wakefulness, but not anesthesia, ODQ caused a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in ACh release. These results show for the first time that NO modulates ACh in the medial pontine reticular formation of the cat via an NO-sensitive sGC signal transduction cascade. Isoflurane and halothane anesthesia have been shown to decrease ACh release in the medial pontine reticular formation. The finding that ODQ did not alter ACh release during isoflurane or halothane anesthesia demonstrates that these anesthetics disrupt the NO-sensitive sGC-cGMP pathway. Considered together, results from the mouse and cat indicate that NO modulates ACh release in arousal-promoting regions of the pontine reticular formation via an NO-sensitive sGC-cGMP pathway.

Enhancing cGMP in experimental progressive renal fibrosis: soluble guanylate cyclase stimulation vs. phosphodiesterase inhibition

cGMP serves as the main second messenger of nitric oxide (NO). Antifibrotic effects of enhancing renal cGMP levels have recently been documented in experimental acute anti-Thy-1 glomerulonephritis. The present study compares the effects of the cGMP production-increasing soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator BAY 41-2272 with those of the cGMP degradation-limiting phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline (PTX) in a progressive model of renal fibrosis. At 1 wk after induction of anti-Thy-1-induced chronic glomerulosclerosis (cGS), rats were randomly assigned to groups as follows: cGS, cGS + BAY 41-2272 (10 mg x kg body wt(-1) x day(-1)), or cGS + PTX (50 mg x kg body wt(-1) x day(-1)). BAY 41-2272 and PTX reduced systolic blood pressure significantly. At 16 wk, tubulointerstitial expressions of sGC mRNA and NO-induced cGMP synthesis were increased in untreated cGS animals, whereas their glomerular activity was depressed compared with normal controls. Tubulointerstitial and glomerular cGMP production in response to NO were significantly enhanced in animals treated with BAY 41-2272, but not in those treated with PTX. BAY 41-2272 administration resulted in marked reductions of glomerular and tubulointerstitial histological matrix accumulation, expression of TGF-beta1 and fibronectin, macrophage infiltration, and cell proliferation as well as improved renal function. In contrast, only moderate and nonsignificant renoprotective changes were observed in the cGS + PTX group. In conclusion, increasing renal cGMP production through BAY 41-2272 significantly improved renal NO-cGMP signaling and limited progression in anti-Thy-1-induced chronic renal fibrosis, whereas inhibition of cGMP degradation by PTX was only moderately effective. The findings indicate that pharmacological enhancement of renal cGMP levels by sGC stimulation represents a novel and effective antifibrotic approach in progressive kidney disorders.

Evidence for, and importance of, cGMP-independent mechanisms with NO and NO donors on blood vessels and platelets

In the vasculature it is well established that cGMP is involved in the relaxant response to nitric oxide (NO) and NO donors. However, there is an increasing evidence that alternative/additional pathways that are cGMP-independent may also exist. A key criterion for a response to NO or a NO donor drug to be classified as cGMP-independent is lack of (or incomplete) inhibition by the selective inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one). In many blood vessels cGMP-independent mechanisms contribute to the vasorelaxation, and in certain vascular beds cGMP-independent relaxation may be the predominant mechanism of action of NO and NO donors. NO donor drugs that generate NO "spontaneously", like authentic NO (i.e. solutions of NO gas), appear to exhibit a larger component of cGMP-independent vasorelaxation than do those drugs that require bioactivation in the tissue. The long lasting inhibition of responses to vasoconstrictors by S-nitrosothiols, persisting after removal of these NO donors, may be a cGMP-independent process, at least in some vessels. The mechanisms involved in the inhibition of vascular growth by NO and NO donors are predominantly cGMP-independent, as are the mechanisms responsible for the effects of NO donors on apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. The ability of NO and NO donors to inhibit platelet aggregation has a significant cGMP-independent component. cGMP-independent pathways are most often, though not exclusively, seen at high concentrations (microM - mM) of NO and NO donors. Hence, in relation to the actions of endogenous NO, these pathways may be particularly important in settings when the inducible isoform of NO-synthase is expressed. Furthermore, cGMP-independent pathways are enhanced in animal models of atherosclerosis and ischaemia. This suggests that it may be possible to target cGMP-independent mechanisms with selected NO donors in disease states.

Guanylyl cyclase and cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase participate in the acrosome reaction of starfish sperm

In the starfish, Asterias amurensis, the cooperation of three components of the egg jelly, i.e. ARIS (acrosome reaction-inducing substance), Co-ARIS and asterosap, is responsible for inducing the acrosome reaction. Experimentally, ARIS and asterosap are sufficient for the induction. However, when sperm are treated only with asterosap, they become unresponsive to the egg jelly to undergo the reaction. In this study, we analysed the mechanism of the acrosome reaction, using sperm inactivation by asterosap as a clue. Asterosap causes a rapid and transient increase in intracellular cGMP through the activation of the asterosap receptor, a guanylyl cyclase, and causes an increase in intracellular Ca2+. When sperm were pretreated with asterosap, the guanylyl cyclase seemed to be inactivated irreversibly by dephosphorylation. They were still responsive to ARIS but no longer to asterosap. However, in the presence of IBMX or zaprinast, inhibitors against phosphodiesterases (PDEs), they retained their capacity to undergo the acrosome reaction in response to the egg jelly or ARIS alone. IBMX and zaprinast suppressed the intracellular catabolism of cGMP, but not of cAMP. These results suggest that guanylyl cyclase and cGMP-specific, IBMX- and zaprinast-susceptible PDEs are involved in the regulation of the acrosome reaction.

Loss of endothelial KATP channel-dependent, NO-mediated dilation of endocardial resistance coronary arteries in pigs with left ventricular hypertrophy

The influence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on the endothelial function of resistance endocardial arteries is not well established. The aim of this study was to characterise the mechanisms responsible for UK-14,304 (alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor agonist)-induced endothelium-dependent dilation in pig endocardial arteries isolated from hearts with or without LVH. LVH was induced by aortic banding 2 months before determining endothelial function. Following euthanasia, hearts were harvested and endocardial resistance arteries were isolated and pressurised to 100 mmHg in no-flow conditions. Vessels were preconstricted with acetylcholine (ACh) or high external K(+) (40 mmol l(-1) KCl). Results are expressed as mean+/-s.e.m. UK-14,304 induced a maximal dilation representing 79+/-6% (n=8) of the maximal diameter. NO synthase (l-NNA, 10 micromol l(-1), n=7) or guanylate cyclase (ODQ, 10 micromol l(-1), n=4) inhibition reduced (P<0.05) UK-14,304-dependent dilation to 35+/-6 and 18+/-7%, respectively. Apamin and charybdotoxin reduced (P<0.05) to 39+/-8% (n=4) the dilation induced by UK-14,304. In depolarised conditions, however, this dilation was prevented (P<0.05). UK-14,304-induced dilation was reduced (P<0.05) by glibenclamide (Glib, 1 micromol l(-1)), a K(ATP) channel blocker, either alone (35+/-10%, n=5) or in combination with l-NNA (34+/-9%, n=4). In LVH, UK-14,304-induced maximal dilation was markedly reduced (25+/-4%, P<0.05) compared to control; it was insensitive to l-NNA (21+/-5%) but prevented either by the combination of l-NNA, apamin and charybdotoxin, or by 40 mmol l(-1) KCl. Activation of endothelial alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor induces an endothelium-dependent dilation of pig endocardial resistance arteries. This dilation is in part dependent on NO, the release of which appears to be dependent on the activation of endothelial K(ATP) channels. This mechanism is blunted in LVH, leading to a profound reduction in UK-14,304-dependent dilation.

Sustaining Excessive Nitric Oxide Upregulates Protein Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthase via Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase: An In Vivo Study in Rats

The aim of this study was to elucidate whether upregulation of the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)/nitric oxide (NO) pathway is associated with downregulation of the NO/soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) pathway. To produce acutely or chronically excessive NO, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered intraperitoneally to rats in a single dose of 4 mg/kg (LPS-single group) or in stepwise doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg every other day (LPS-repeated group). At 24 hours after the treatment, in the thoracic aorta from the LPS-single group, both relaxations in response to sodium nitroprus-side (SNP), an NO donor, and acetylcholine (ACh) and protein levels of sGC and eNOS remained unchanged. In contrast, in the LPS-repeated group, the SNP-induced relaxation and sGC protein expression significantly decreased, while the ACh-induced relaxation and eNOS protein expression significantly increased compared with the non-treated control. All these changes in the relaxations and protein levels were restored by treatment with NOX-100, an NO scavenger. Furthermore, similar alteration in vascular function observed in the LPS-repeated group occurred in rats receiving SNP via subcutaneous using osmotic pumps (0.4 mg/h). These results indicate that persistent excessive NO exposure induces upregulation of the eNOS/NO pathway in the endothelium together with downregulation of the NO/sGC pathway.

Nitric oxide, a key signaling molecule in the murine early embryonic heart

Nitric oxide (NO) is thought to play an important role as a signaling molecule in embryonic and adult cardiomyocytes; however, its involvement in muscarinic signaling is still unclear. The aim of the present work was to analyze the muscarinic modulation of the L-type Ca2+ current (ICa) in early- and late-stage embryonic ventricular cardiomyocytes. Muscarinic stimulation depressed basal ICa by 30.1 +/- 3.2% (n=27) in early-stage cardiomyocytes. Pharmacological evidence suggested that the muscarinic modulation was mediated through generation of NO, activation of cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase (PDE) 2, and ensuing lowering of cyclic AMP/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) levels. Conversely, in late-stage cardiomyocytes, muscarinic regulation of ICa occurred in a NO-independent manner via inhibition of prestimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC). To unequivocally prove the involvement of NO and to identify the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoform(s), we analyzed muscarinic signaling in embryonic ventricular cardiomyocytes of NOS2 (-/-) and NOS3 (-/-) mice. The early-stage NOS3 (-/-) cardiomyocytes lacked muscarinic modulation, whereas it was preserved in NOS2 (-/-) cells. Moreover, at the late embryonic stage, muscarinic modulation of ICa was intact in both strains. Thus, NO is the key regulator of muscarinic signaling in the early embryonic ventricle, whereas at later stages, signaling occurs through a NO-independent pathway.

Involvement of guanylyl cyclase and cGMP in the regulation of Mrp2-mediated transport in the proximal tubule

In killifish renal proximal tubules, endothelin-1 (ET-1), acting through a basolateral ET(B) receptor, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and PKC, decreases cell-to-lumen organic anion transport mediated by the multidrug resistance protein isoform 2 (Mrp2). In the present study, we examined the roles of guanylyl cyclase and cGMP in ET signaling to Mrp2. Using confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis to measure Mrp2-mediated transport of the fluorescent drug fluorescein methotrexate (FL-MTX), we found that oxadiazole quinoxalin (ODQ), an inhibitor of NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase, blocked ET-1 signaling. ODQ was also effective when signaling was initiated by nephrotoxicants (gentamicin, amikacin, diatrizoate, HgCl(2), and CdCl(2)), which appear to stimulate ET release from the tubules themselves. ODQ blocked the effects of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside but not of the phorbol ester that activates PKC. Exposing tubules to 8-bromo-cGMP (8-BrcGMP), a cell-permeable cGMP analog, decreased luminal FL-MTX accumulation. This effect was abolished by bisindoylmaleimide (BIM), a PKC inhibitor, but not by N(G)-methyl-l-arginine, a NOS inhibitor. Together, these data indicate that ET regulation of Mrp2 involves activation of guanylyl cyclase and generation of cGMP. Signaling by cGMP follows NO release and precedes PKC activation.

Insulin induces the release of vasodilator compounds from platelets by a nitric oxide-G kinase-VAMP-3-dependent pathway

Insulin-induced vasodilatation is sensitive to nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibitors. However, insulin is unable to relax isolated arteries or to activate endothelial NOS in endothelial cells. Since insulin can enhance platelet endothelial NOS activity, we determined whether insulin-induced vasodilatation can be attributed to a NO-dependent, platelet-mediated process. Insulin failed to relax endothelium-intact rings of porcine coronary artery. The supernatant from insulin-stimulated human platelets induced complete relaxation, which was prevented by preincubation of platelets with a NOS inhibitor, the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, NS 2028, or the G kinase inhibitor, KT 5823, and was abolished by an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist. Insulin induced the release of adenosine trisphosphate (ATP), adenosine, and serotonin from platelet-dense granules in a NO-dependent manner. This response was not detected using insulin-stimulated platelets from endothelial NOS-/- mice, although a NO donor elicited ATP release. Insulin-induced ATP release from human platelets correlated with the association of syntaxin 2 with the vesicle-associated membrane protein 3 but was not associated with the activation of alphaIIbbeta3 integrin. Thus, insulin elicits the release of vasoactive concentrations of ATP and adenosine from human platelets via a NO-G kinase-dependent signaling cascade. The mechanism of dense granule secretion involves the G kinase-dependent association of syntaxin 2 with vesicle-associated membrane protein 3.

Heterogeneity of neuronal and smooth muscle receptors involved in the VIP- and PACAP-induced relaxations of the pig intravesical ureter

1. The mechanisms and receptors involved in the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)- and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-induced relaxations of the pig intravesical ureter were investigated. 2. VIP, PACAP 38 and PACAP 27 concentration-dependently relaxed U46619-contracted ureteral strips with a similar potency. [Ala(11,22,28)]-VIP, a VPAC(1) agonist, showed inconsistent relaxations. 3. The neuronal voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel inhibitor, omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTX, 1 microm), reduced the VIP relaxations. Urothelium removal or blockade of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferents, nitric oxide (NO) synthase and guanylate cyclase with capsaicin (10 microm), N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NOARG, 100 microm) and 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 5 microm), respectively, did not change the VIP relaxations. However, the PACAP 38 relaxations were reduced by omega-CgTX, capsaicin, l-NOARG and ODQ. 4. The VIP and VIP/PACAP receptor antagonists, [Lys(1), Pro(2,5), Arg(3,4), Tyr(6)]-VIP (1 microm) and PACAP (6-38) (0.4 microm), inhibited VIP and VIP and PACAP 38, respectively, relaxations. 5. The nonselective and large-conductance Ca(2)-activated K(+) channel blockers, tetraethylammonium (3 mm) and charybdotoxin (0.1 microm), respectively, and neuropeptide Y (0.1 microm) did not modify the VIP relaxations. The small-conductance Ca(2)-activated K(+) channel blocker apamin (1 microm) did not change the PACAP 27 relaxations. 6. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) blocker, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp-8-CPT-cAMPS, 100 microm), reduced VIP relaxations. The phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor rolipram and the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin relaxed ureteral preparations. The rolipram relaxations were reduced by Rp-8-CPT-cAMPS. Forskolin (30 nm) evoked a potentiation of VIP relaxations. 7. These results suggest that VIP and PACAP relax the pig ureter through smooth muscle receptors, probably of the VPAC(2) subtype, linked to a cAMP-PKA pathway. Neuronal VPAC receptors localized at motor nerves and PAC(1) receptors placed at sensory nerves and coupled to NO release, seem also to be involved in the VIP and PACAP 38 relaxations.

The role of gelatinase in hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

To determine the role of gelatinase in the hepatic metastatic process of colorectal cancer, we correlated gelatinolytic activity in colorectal tumor tissue both to the presence of intravasated colorectal epithelial cells and to the formation of liver metastasis.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The gelatinolytic activity was analyzed in tumor tissue samples from 68 colorectal cancer patients by using gelatin substrate zymography. The presence of intravasated colorectal epithelial cells was defined as detection of guanylyl cyclase C mRNA in blood sampled from drainage vein of a tumor-bearing colorectal segment.

RESULTS

Forty of 68 patients were noted to have guanylyl cyclase C mRNA expression in their drainage venous blood. Fifteen patients were noted to have liver metastasis at the time of surgery, and another 15 patients developed liver metastasis during median follow-up period of 53 months. Either individual or total gelatinolytic activity in colorectal tumor tissue failed to predict the presence of intravasated colorectal epithelial cells in the drainage venous blood or formation of liver metastasis. Presence of both intravasated colorectal epithelial cells and high total gelatinolytic activity in colorectal tumor tissue, however, is a strong predictor of liver metastasis (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that gelatinolytic activity in colorectal tumor tissues may facilitate the hepatic metastatic process in the steps after intravasation but not during or before intravasation.

Nitric oxide pathways in human bladder carcinoma. The distribution of nitric oxide synthases, soluble guanylyl cyclase, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and nitrotyrosine

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by a group of synthase enzymes (NOS). By means of different pathways, NO exerts several functions in benign and malignant human bladder tissues. The current paper describes the NO/guanylate cyclase (sGC)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and the NO/oxidative pathways in human bladder tissues.

METHODS

Bladder carcinoma tissues were collected from 18 patients by transurethral resection procedures. Normal benign vesical tissue specimens from a further eight patients with benign diseases served as controls. Immunohistochemistry was conducted for localization of sGC, cGMP, and nitrotyrosine in benign and malignant vesical tissues, evaluating two-three tissue sections per patient.

RESULTS

Positive immunolabeling for sGC and cGMP was detected in vascular endothelial cells of normal and malignant vesical tissues. Those signals were most intense in bladder carcinoma tissues. Immunolabeling for sGC and cGMP was also detected in normal urothelial cells. In bladder carcinoma cells, a heterogeneous immunolabeling for sGC and cGMP was seen, with a wide spectrum of signal intensity. Positive immunostaining for sGC and cGMP was also observed in stromal round cells in benign and malignant bladder tissues. Immunolabeling for nitrotyrosine was mainly observed in endothelial cells, with a much stronger immunolabeling in bladder carcinoma tissues compared to normal benign controls. A weak immunolabeling for nitrotyrosine was also observed in bladder carcinoma cells. Normal urothelial cells did not show such nitrotyrosine expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The current report provides evidences that NO play several roles through different pathways in benign and malignant vesical tissues. The influences generated by NO molecules can be divided into cGMP-mediated effects (those resulting from the NO/sGC/cGMP pathway) and non-cGMP-mediated effects (those resulting from the NO/oxidative pathway). Increased angiogenesis is a cGMP-mediated effect, while nitrotyrosine production is a non cGMP-mediated oxidative effect. Such an NO/oxidative pathway is observed more often in bladder carcinoma.

Induction of apoptosis in mammalian cells by cadmium and zinc

In various mammalian cells, two group IIb metals, cadmium and zinc, induce several morphological and biochemical effects that are salient features of programmed cell death. In C6 rat glioma cells, cadmium caused externalization of phosphatidylserine, breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase-9, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. In NIH3T3 murine fibroblasts, cadmium-induced apoptosis was inhibited by overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Cadmium-induced DNA fragmentation in C6 cells was independent of inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, Ca-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, and protein kinase G. Zinc at moderate concentrations (10-50 microM) protected against programmed cell death induced by cadmium, whereas deprivation of zinc by the membrane-permeable chelator N,N,N',N-terakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) caused cell death with features characteristic of apoptosis. On the other hand, at elevated extracellular levels (150-200 microM), zinc alone caused programmed cell death in C6 cells. Zinc-induced apoptosis was independent of inhibition of PKA, PKC, guanylate cyclase and MAPK, but it was suppressed in the presence of 100 microM lanthanum chloride.

Induction of apoptosis in mammalian cells by cadmium and zinc

In various mammalian cells, two group IIb metals, cadmium and zinc, induce several morphological and biochemical effects that are salient features of programmed cell death. In C6 rat glioma cells, cadmium caused externalization of phosphatidylserine, breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase-9, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. In NIH3T3 murine fibroblasts, cadmium-induced apoptosis was inhibited by overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Cadmium-induced DNA fragmentation in C6 cells was independent of inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, Ca-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, and protein kinase G. Zinc at moderate concentrations (10-50 microM) protected against programmed cell death induced by cadmium, whereas deprivation of zinc by the membrane-permeable chelator N,N,N',N-terakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) caused cell death with features characteristic of apoptosis. On the other hand, at elevated extracellular levels (150-200 microM), zinc alone caused programmed cell death in C6 cells. Zinc-induced apoptosis was independent of inhibition of PKA, PKC, guanylate cyclase and MAPK, but it was suppressed in the presence of 100 microM lanthanum chloride.

Nitric oxide prevents oxidised LDL-induced p53 accumulation, cytochrome c translocation, and apoptosis in macrophages via guanylate cyclase stimulation

BACKGROUND

Oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) induces apoptosis in vascular cells including macrophages, while NO exerts antiapoptotic effects. Here we studied the impact of nitric oxide (NO) on OxLDL-induced cytochrome c release, apoptosis, and expression of the proapoptotic p53 in macrophages.

METHODS

Human LDL was oxidised by Cu(2+), and monocytes were prepared from human buffy coats. Differentiation to macrophages was achieved by culturing cells in the presence of human serum and was followed by detecting monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) expression (RT-PCR). Cytochrome c release and p53 expression of macrophages were detected by immunoblotting, and apoptosis by visualisation of nuclear condensation.

RESULTS

OxLDL dose-dependently (50-200 microg/ml) induced cytochrome c release that was prevented by preincubation with the NO-donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) (100 microM) or with the cGMP analogue 8-br-cGMP (100 microM) for 15 h. In cells co-treated with GSNO and the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor oxadialoquinoxalione (ODQ, 10 microM, 15 h), OxLDL-evoked cytochrome c release remained effective, indicating that NO acted via sGC-dependent cGMP formation. Parallel incubation of macrophages with 8-br-cGMP (100 microM) and ODQ (10 microM) for 15 h left the protective effect of 8-br-cGMP unaltered. Short pre-incubation (30 min) with GSNO or 8-br-cGMP was ineffective in preventing OxLDL-elicited cytochrome c release. Initiation of cytochrome c release in macrophages was paralleled by a dose-dependent accumulation of the proapoptotic factor p53, and by enhanced rate of nuclear condensation. Stabilisation of p53 was prevented by preincubation with the NO-donor GSNO or 8-br-cGMP, thus implying a downmodulatory effect of cGMP on pathways that upregulate the tumor suppressor p53.

CONCLUSIONS

OxLDL induces cytochrome c release and apoptosis in human macrophages in close association with p53 accumulation. NO attenuates OxLDL-induced cytochrome c release and p53 accumulation via activation of sGC and cGMP formation. These effects may be of particular importance in arterial tissue with reduced NO activity.

Molecular cloning of natriuretic peptide receptor A from bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) brain and its functional expression

A comparative study of natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR) was performed by cloning the NPR-A receptor subtype from the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) brain and analyzing its functional expression. Like other mammalian NPR-A receptors, the bullfrog NPR-A receptor consists of an extracellular ligand binding domain, a hydrophobic transmembrane domain, a kinase-like domain and a guanylate cyclase domain. Sequence comparison among the bullfrog and mammalian receptors revealed a relatively low ( approximately 45%) similarity in the extracellular domain compared to a very high similarity ( approximately 92%) in the cytoplasmic regulatory and catalytic domains. Expression of NPR-A mRNA was detected in various bullfrog tissues including the brain, heart, lung, kidney and liver; highest levels were observed in lung. Functional expression of the receptor in COS-7 cells revealed that frog atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) elicited cyclic guanosine 3'5'-monophosphate production by stimulating the receptor in a dose-dependent manner from 10(-10) M concentrations. Rat ANP was also effective in stimulating the frog receptor whereas rat BNP and porcine BNP were less responsive to the receptor. On the other hand, frog C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) as well as porcine CNP stimulated the receptor only at high concentrations (10(-7) M). This clearly indicates that the bullfrog receptor is a counterpart of mammalian NPR-A, and is specific for ANP or BNP but not for CNP.

Vascular dysfunction induced by AGE is mediated by VEGF via mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species, guanylate cyclase, and protein kinase C

OBJECTIVE

These experiments were designed to elucidate mechanisms mediating vascular dysfunction induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

METHODS

Skin chambers were mounted on the backs of Sprague-Dawley rats and 1 week later, granulation tissue that formed in the bottom of the chamber was exposed twice daily for 7 days to glycated rat serum albumin in the presence and absence of inhibitors of reactive oxygen intermediates, nitric oxide synthase and guanylate cyclase, protein kinase C (PKC), and a neutralizing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody. Vascular (125)I-albumin clearance and blood flow were quantified by use of a double isotope-dilution technique and radiolabeled microspheres, respectively.

RESULTS

Albumin permeation and blood flow were increased dose-dependently to a maximum of 2 to 3 times controls by increasing the extent of glucose modification, the concentration, or the duration of exposure to glycated albumin. These increases were significantly attenuated by probucol and superoxide dismutase; N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; LY83583, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor; and LY333531, a beta-isoform-selective protein kinase C inhibitor. A neutralizing VEGF monoclonal antibody also markedly attenuated the permeability and blood flow increases induced by glycated albumin.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations indicate potentially important roles for oxygen free-radicals and nitric oxide in mediating permeability and blood flow changes induced by glycated proteins via mechanisms involving increased protein kinase C activity and VEGF production. Striking similarities in the mechanism by which hyperglycemia and glycated proteins induce vascular dysfunction suggest that a common pathway mediates effects of these different metabolic imbalances on vascular dysfunction.

Nitric oxide does not modulate the hyperpolarization-activated current, I(f), in ventricular myocytes from spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE

: In sinoatrial (SA) node cells, nitric oxide (NO) exerts a dual effect on the hyperpolarization-activated current, I(f), i.e. in basal conditions NO enhances I(f) whereas in the presence of beta-adrenergic stimulation it decreases it. Recent studies have shown that I(f) is present in ventricular myocytes from hypertrophied or failing hearts where it may promote abnormal automaticity. Since these pathological conditions are associated with increased sympathetic tone and upregulation of myocardial NO production, we set out to investigate whether I(f) is similarly modulated by NO in hypertrophied ventricular myocytes.

METHODS

Left ventricular myocytes were isolated from 18-20-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Membrane current was measured under whole-cell or amphotericin-perforated patch-clamp conditions, at 35 degrees C.

RESULTS

Application of diethylamine-NO (DEA-NO, 1-100 microM) did not alter the amplitude or voltage dependence of activation of I(f) under basal conditions (half-activation voltage, V(h): control -82.9+/-2.6, DEA-NO -84.0+/-2.6 mV). Similarly, I(f) was not affected by the inhibition of endogenous NO production (L-NMMA, 500 microM) or guanylate cyclase (ODQ, 10 microM). Forskolin (10 microM) or isoprenaline (100 nM) elicited a positive shift in V(h) but subsequent application of DEA-NO did not further affect the properties of I(f).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that, unlike in SA node cells, in SHR ventricular myocytes basal and adrenergically stimulated I(f) is not modulated by exogenous NO or by constitutive NO or cGMP production.

cGMP-mediated negative-feedback regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression by nitric oxide

Earlier studies have demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) exerts a fast-acting inhibitory influence on endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) enzymatic activity in isolated vascular tissue preparations. The present study was designed to examine the possible effect of NO on eNOS protein expression in cultured endothelial cells and intact animals. Human coronary endothelial cells were incubated with S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP, an NO donor), oxyhemoglobin (HGB, an NO trapping agent), SNAP plus HGB, or inactive vehicle (control). In other experiments, cells were treated with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor), 1H-[1,2, 4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-2]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor), SNAP plus ODQ, 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP, a cell-permeable cGMP compound), 8-Br-cGMP plus HGB, or inactive vehicle in order to discern the effect of cGMP. The incubations were conducted for 24 hours, and total nitrate plus nitrite production and eNOS protein abundance (Western analysis) were measured. To determine the effect of NO on eNOS expression in vivo, rats were treated with either the NO donor isosorbide dinitrate or placebo by gastric gavage for 48 hours, and aortic eNOS protein expression was examined. The NO donor SNAP markedly depressed, whereas the NO scavenger HGB significantly raised, eNOS protein expression. The downregulatory action of SNAP was completely abrogated by HGB. Phosphodiesterase inhibitor and 8-Br-cGMP downregulated, whereas the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ upregulated eNOS protein expression. The downregulatory action of SNAP was completely overcome by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ, and the upregulatory action of the NO scavenger HGB was abrogated by 8-Br-cGMP. Administration of NO donor resulted in a marked downregulation of aortic eNOS protein expression in intact animals, thus confirming the in vitro findings. NO serves as a negative-feedback regulator of eNOS expression via a cGMP-mediated process.

Age-related changes in airway responsiveness to phosphodiesterase inhibitors and activators of adenyl cyclase and guanylyl cyclase

The influence of animal age on the responsiveness of guinea-pig and rat isolated tracheal smooth muscle to the non-selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterase, theophylline and papaverine and to the adenylyl cyclase and soluble guanylyl cyclase activators, forskolin and sodium nitroprusside respectively, was examined. Significant age-related decreases in the potencies of theophylline and papaverine were observed across the age ranges in guinea-pig (2.8- and 3.4-fold decreases respectively) and rat (1.9- and 2.6-fold decreases respectively) trachea, suggesting age-related falls in the activity of phosphodiesterase in these tissues. However, maximum relaxant responses (E(max)) to these agents were not altered with increasing animal age. The relaxant potency of sodium nitroprusside also decreased 4.4-fold across the age range in guinea-pig isolated trachea but not in rat isolated tracheal tissue, suggesting age-related falls in soluble guanylyl cyclase activity in guinea-pig trachea. In contrast, neither forskolin potency nor E(max)changed significantly with increasing age in either guinea-pig or rat tracheal tissue. The present data indicate that ageing in both guinea-pigs and rats was associated with decreased relaxant potency of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors rather than to changes in adenylyl cyclase activity although reduced soluble guanylyl cyclase activity was also detected in the guinea-pig.

Nitric oxide and C-type atrial natriuretic peptide stimulate primary aortic smooth muscle cell migration via a cGMP-dependent mechanism: relationship to microfilament dissociation and altered cell morphology

Migration of aortic smooth muscle cells is thought to be of essential importance in vascular restenosis, remodeling, and angiogenesis. Recent studies have shown that NO donors inhibit the migration of subcultured aortic smooth muscle cells. However, there is evidence that NO elicits opposite effects on cell proliferation in primary versus subcultured cells, indicating fundamental differences among different models of aortic smooth muscle cell cultures. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of NO donors on migration of primary cultures of rat aortic smooth muscle cells and to compare and contrast their response with those in subcultured cells. A second purpose was to investigate some of the underlying mechanisms associated with NO-induced effects on cell migration. We report that 2 NO donors, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and 2, 2-(hydroxynitrosohydrazino)bis-ethanamine, stimulated the migration of primary cells in a wounded-culture model as well as in a transwell migration model. The effect of NO donors was mimicked by 2 cGMP analogues and C-type natriuretic peptide and blocked by a specific inhibitor of guanyl cyclase, 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo[4,3, -a]quinoxalin-1-one, indicating the involvement of cGMP as second messenger. Moreover, neither NO donors nor cGMP analogues altered migration of primary cultures stimulated by either FBS or angiotensin II. In contrast to its effect in primary cultures, SNAP did not alter basal or stimulated migration of subcultured cells, except at a relatively high concentration of 1 mmol/L, at which migration was inhibited. The migration-stimulatory effect of NO donors and cGMP was associated with altered cell morphology and dissociation of actin filaments, consistent with recent studies indicating that cell morphology and cytoskeletal organization influence cell migration. The results suggest the possible involvement of NO-induced cell migration in vascular injury or remodeling, representing conditions in which vascular NO levels would be expected to be elevated.

Relaxing action of sodium nitroprusside independent of membrane potential in the CCh-induced contracture of the guinea pig stomach muscle

Carbachol (CCh, 10(-6) M) induced biphasic contraction of longitudinal muscle of the guinea pig stomach, consisting of rapid phasic contraction and contracture. The contracture was almost completely inhibited by sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10(-6) M) and S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP, 10(-6) M). A membrane permeable analogue of cyclic GMP, 8Br-cGMP (10(-4) M), also inhibited the CCh induced contracture. Although a heme site inhibitor of nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase, 1-H-[1, 2, 4] oxadiazolo-[4, 3 a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 10(-6) M), reduced the inhibitory action of SNP, it did not affect the inhibitory action of 8Br-cGMP, indicating that the effect of SNP was developed via cyclic GMP production in the presence of D600. Charybdotoxin (10(-7) M), an inhibitor of Ca2+ activated K+ channel, did not influence on the CCh induced contracture. On the other hand, CCh induced a depolarization of the longitudinal muscle cell membrane (from -60 mV to -45 mV) in the presence of 10(-6) M D600, but SNP did not affect the depolarization. These results suggest that in the presence of D600 SNP induces relaxation of CCh induced contracture of the longitudinal muscle of the guinea pig stomach via cyclic GMP but not membrane potential dependent mechanism.

cGMP production is coupled to Ca(2+)-dependent nitric oxide generation in rabbit parotid acinar cells

We investigated the mechanism of guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) production in rabbit parotid acinar cells. Methacholine, a muscarinic cholinergic agonist, stimulated cGMP production in a dose-dependent manner but not isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic receptor stimulant. Methacholine-stimulated cGMP production has been suggested to be coupled to Ca2+ mobilization, because intracellular Ca2+ elevating reagents, such as thapsigargin and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, mimicked the effect of methacholine. The cGMP production induced by Ca2+ mobilization has also been suggested to be coupled to nitric oxide (NO) generation because the effects of methacholine, thapsigargin and A23187 on cGMP production were blocked by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and hemoglobin, a scavenger of nitric oxide (NO). Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, stimulated cGMP production. Furthermore, methacholine stimulated NO generation, and NOS activity in the cytosolic fraction in rabbit parotid acinar cells was exclusively dependent on Ca2+. These findings suggest that cGMP production induced by the activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors is coupled to NO generation via Ca2+ mobilization.

Regulation of ductus arteriosus patency by nitric oxide in fetal lambs: the role of gestation, oxygen tension, and vasa vasorum

We hypothesized that nitric oxide (NO) production by the fetal ductus arteriosus is limited because of low fetal PO2, but that at neonatal PO2, NO might be an important regulator of ductus arteriosus tone. We exposed isolated rings of fetal lamb ductus arteriosus to elevated PO2. L-NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and methylene blue and 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583), inhibitors of guanylate cyclase, produced constriction of the ductus arteriosus. When ductus arteriosus rings were exposed to low PO2, L-NAME had no effect, and methylene blue and LY83583 had only a small effect on ductus arteriosus tone. Sodium nitroprusside and calcium ionophore A23187 relaxed ductus arteriosus rings more than aortic rings, and relaxed ductus arteriosus rings from immature fetuses more than those from late gestation fetuses. In contrast, ductus arteriosus rings from both early and late gestation were equally sensitive to 8-bromo-cGMP. By both reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, endothelial cell NOS and inducible calcium-independent NOS, but not nerve cell NOS, were detected in the ductus arteriosus. Inducible NOS was expressed only by endothelial cells lining the ductus arteriosus lumen; in contrast, endothelial cell NOS was expressed by both luminal and vasa vasorum endothelial cells. The role of inducible NOS in the ductus arteriosus is uncertain because the potency of a specific inducible NOS inhibitor in constricting the ductus arteriosus was negligible compared with that of an endothelial cell NOS inhibitor. We speculate that NO may be an important regulator of ductus arteriosus tone at high but not low PO2. The endothelial cell NOS isoform found in vasa vasorum may be an important source of NO because removal of ductus arteriosus luminal endothelium only partially blocks the effects of L-NAME, methylene blue, and LY83583.

Nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase inhibits acetylcholine release and excitatory motor transmission in the guinea-pig ileum

This study examined the mechanism through which nitric oxide inhibits the release of acetylcholine and excitatory motor neurotransmission in the guinea-pig ileum. The selective inhibitor of nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), concentration-dependently enhanced both basal release (-log EC50: 6.8) and electrically (10 Hz)-evoked release (-log EC50: 6.0) of [3H]acetylcholine from longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparations preincubated with [3H]choline. The increase by ODQ of basal release appeared to be exocytotic since it was prevented by tetrodotoxin (300 nM) and absence of calcium from the superfusion medium. In addition, ODQ (1 microM) increased the electrically-evoked tachykininergic and cholinergic muscle contractions as measured in the presence of scopolamine (100 nM) or of the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist CP 99994 (100 nM), respectively. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-N(G)-nitro-arginine (100 microM) behaved similar to ODQ and increased cholinergic and tachykininergic motor neurotransmission. The nitric oxide-independent activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase, 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole, concentration-dependently inhibited the electrically evoked acetylcholine release (-log EC50: 6.0) and longitudinal muscle contractions (-log EC50: 5.7). ODQ (10 microM) antagonized the effects of 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole. The results suggest that endogenous nitric oxide tonically activates soluble guanylyl cyclase in myenteric neurons which leads to inhibition of the release of the excitatory transmitters acetylcholine and substance P. ODQ prevents the effects of nitric oxide and thus facilitates cholinergic and tachykininergic motor neurotransmission in the guinea-pig ileum.

Reversal by methylene blue of tetanic fade induced in cats by nitric oxide

Previous data from our laboratory have indicated that nitric oxide (NO) acting at the presynaptic level increases the amplitude of muscular contraction (AMC) of the phrenic-diaphragm preparations isolated from indirectly stimulated rats, but, by acting at the postsynaptic level, it reduces the AMC when the preparations are directly stimulated. In the present study we investigated the effects induced by NO when tetanic frequencies of stimulation were applied to in vivo preparations (sciatic nerve-anterior tibial muscle of the cat). Intra-arterial injection of NO (0.75-1.5 mg/kg) induced a dose-dependent increase in the Wedensky inhibition produced by high frequencies of stimulation applied to the motor nerve. Intra-arterial administration of 7.2 micrograms/kg methylene blue did not produce any change in AMC at low frequencies of nerve stimulation (0.2 Hz), but antagonized the NO-induced Wedensky inhibition. The experimental data suggest that NO-induced Wedensky inhibition may be mediated by the guanylate cyclase-cGMP pathway.

Neuropeptide stimulation of the nitric oxide signaling pathway in Drosophila melanogaster Malpighian tubules

Activation of the nitric oxide (NO) and guanosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway stimulates fluid secretion by the Drosophila melanogaster Malpighian tubule. The neuropeptide cardioacceleratory peptide 2b (CAP2b) has been previously shown to stimulate fluid secretion in this epithelium by elevating intracellular cGMP levels. Therefore, it was of interest to investigate if CAP2b acts through NO in isolated tubules and thus presumably through stimulation of a tubule NO synthase (NOS). We show here by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction that Drosophila NOS (dNOS) is expressed in Malpighian tubules. Biochemical assays of NOS activity in whole tubules show that CAP2b significantly stimulates NOS activity. Additionally, fluid secretion and cyclic nucleotide assays show that CAP2b-induced elevation of intracellular cGMP levels and fluid secretion rates are dependent on the activation of a soluble guanylate cyclase. Treatment of tubules with a specific NOS inhibitor abolishes the CAP2b-induced rise in intracellular cGMP levels. These data indicate that CAP2b stimulates NOS and therefore, endogenous NO production, which, in turn, stimulates a soluble guanylate cyclase. This is the first demonstration of stimulation of an endogenous NOS by a defined peptide in Drosophila.

Pregnancy and ephedrine increase the release of nitric oxide in ovine uterine arteries

Ephedrine is the preferred vasoconstrictor for the treatment of hypotension after epidural and spinal anesthesia in obstetrics because it preserves uterine perfusion better than pure alpha-adrenergic agonists. Previous studies of uterine vascular rings in vitro suggested that direct uterine vasoconstriction from ephedrine is reduced during pregnancy. This study examined the hypothesis that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is up-regulated in uterine arteries during pregnancy, and that ephedrine stimulates NOS to release nitric oxide (NO) and diminish direct vasoconstriction. Uterine arterial vessels were obtained from 12 pregnant and 9 nonpregnant ewes, and vessel tension was monitored in vitro in response to escalating concentrations of ephedrine or metaraminol. In some experiments, vascular endothelium was mechanically removed, while in others antagonists of NO synthesis (N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME], NO diffusion (hemoglobin [Hgb]), or guanylate cyclase (methylene blue [MB]) were included. In other experiments, solutions containing ephedrine were superfused over uterine arteries from pregnant ewes onto uterine arteries from nonpregnant ewes. Finally, NOS activity, determined by 14C-citrulline generation, was determined in uterine arteries from pregnant and nonpregnant ewes. Both ephedrine and metaraminol caused concentration-dependent constriction of uterine arterial rings from pregnant and nonpregnant animals. Pregnancy reduced maximum constriction from ephedrine more than metaraminol. Similarly, ephedrine-induced constriction was increased more than that of metaraminol in uterine arteries from pregnant animals treated to diminish the effects of nitric oxide (L-NAME, Hgb, MB, endothelium removal). Ephedrine's constriction of uterine arteries from nonpregnant animals was reduced when it was superfused over uterine arteries from pregnant animals. NOS activity was increased in uterine arteries from pregnant compared to nonpregnant animals. These studies confirm decreased direct uterine arterial vasoconstriction during pregnancy from ephedrine and support the hypothesis of increased release of an endogenous vasodilator (NO), either from the vascular endothelium or the vessel wall, as the cause for this decreased vasoconstriction.

Adenylate and guanylate cyclase activity in the penis and aorta of the diabetic rat: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of adenylate and guanylate cyclases in the mediation of erection in diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hyperglycaemic diabetes mellitus was induced in 35 rats using streptozotocin. Two months later the penises and aortae of these rats were excised and cut into rings or segments before being treated with varying concentrations of acetylcholine (Ach), sodium nitroprusside (NaNP), prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and adrenaline (AD). The levels of adenosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) so generated were measured by radioimmunoassay and the results compared with those from seven age-matched control rats that had not been given streptozotocin.

RESULTS

Ach-stimulated cGMP synthesis was impaired in the aortae in diabetic rats. Ach-stimulated cGMP synthesis was undetectable in the penis. NaNP-stimulated cGMP and PGE1-stimulated cAMP synthesis was enhanced in both the penises and aortae in diabetic rats compared with controls. AD-stimulated cAMP synthesis was enhanced in the aorta in diabetic rats compared with controls, but AD had no effect on cAMP synthesis in the penis.

CONCLUSION

Ach-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) synthesis is impaired in the vasculature of diabetic rats and an Ach-NO axis may not be present in the penis of the rat. The enhanced capacity of the penis and vasculature to generate cAMP and cGMP may constitute an adaptive response to counteract the reduction in receptor-linked NO release. Impaired adenylate or guanylate cyclase activity does not contribute to erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats.

Interleukin-4 stimulates cGMP production by IFN-gamma-activated human monocytes. Involvement of the nitric oxide synthase pathway

Resting human blood monocytes from some donors were found to produce a small amount of 3'-5' guanine cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) in response to interleukin 4 (IL-4). A much higher response was observed when monocytes were preincubated with interferon (IFN-gamma), which alone was ineffective. Preincubation of monocytes with IL-4 led, in contrast, to their subsequent incapacity to generate cGMP in response to IL-4. The accumulation of cGMP induced by IL-4 in IFN-gamma preincubated monocytes was dose-dependent and peaked about 15 min after its addition. It was inhibited in the presence of NG-mono-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase pathway. This suppressive effect of L-NMMA was reverted by an excess of L- but not of D-arginine. Accumulation of cGMP was significantly reduced by addition of soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitors, such as LY83583 [correction of LY83853] and methylene blue, but was not impaired in the presence of EGTA, suggesting that the pathway involved is calcium independent. In addition, IL-4 induced an increased secretion of nitrite by monocytes, that was potentiated by IFN-gamma and inhibited by L-NMMA. Taken together, these results suggest that the sequential exposure of monocytes to IFN-gamma and IL-4 elicits the release of NO from L-arginine, which in turn is capable to stimulate soluble guanylyl cyclase.

Guanylate-cyclase-mediated inhibition of cardiac ICa by carbachol and sodium nitroprusside

We studied the role of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) as a mediator of the reduction of L-type calcium current (ICa) induced by muscarinic receptor stimulation and by nitric oxide in isolated guinea-pig ventricular cells using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Our results show that when the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate was increased by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), stimulation of a pertussis-toxin (PTX)-sensitive muscarinic receptor by carbachol (1 microM) reduced the calcium current increase from 80.6 +/- 23.5% to 19.8 +/- 9.6% over the control and this effect was prevented by methylene blue (10 microM), an inhibitor of the soluble guanylate cyclase. Pipette solution containing 10 microM cGMP reduced the enhancement of ICa by IBMX from 121.9 +/- 11.6% to 14.2 +/- 5.4% above the control. Sodium nitroprusside (10 microM), a spontaneous donor of nitric oxide, and consequently a stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase, also reduced IBMX-stimulated ICa from 115.2 +/- 13.2% to 32.2 +/- 6.9% above control and the sodium nitroprusside effect was also suppressed by methylene blue. The latter two reagents were ineffective on basal ICa.

Cyclic GMP modulates depletion-activated Ca2+ entry in pancreatic acinar cells

In the pancreatic acinar cell, hormonal stimulation causes a rise in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration by activating the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores (Berridge, M. J., and Irvine, R. F. (1989) Nature 341, 197-205). The released Ca2+ is, for the most part, extruded from the cell, necessitating a mechanism for Ca2+ entry and reloading of intracellular Ca2+ stores (Putney, J. W., Jr. (1990) Cell Calcium 11, 611-624; Rink, T. J. (1990) FEBS Lett. 268, 381-385). However, neither the mechanism of depletion-activated Ca2+ entry nor the signal that activates it is known. We report here that a sustained inward current of depletion-activated Ca2+ entry can be measured in pancreatic acinar cells using patch-clamp recording methods. Furthermore, the current can be blocked by an inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase, can be reactivated by 8-bromo-cGMP after inhibition, and can be activated in the absence of Ca2+ depletion by perfusing the cell with cGMP, but not cAMP. Intracellular perfusion with 1,3,4,5-inositol tetrakisphosphate did not activate an inward current, whereas perfusion with 2,4,5-inositol trisphosphate did activate an inward current. We conclude that cGMP may be an intracellular messenger that regulates depletion-activated Ca2+ entry.

Different ATP effects on natriuretic peptide receptor subtypes in LLC-PK1 and NIH-3T3 cells

We have observed different ATP interactions in two guanylate cyclase (GC)-coupled natriuretic peptide (NP) receptor subtypes, designated NPR-A and NPR-B. The NPR-A is selectively expressed by LLC-PK1 epithelial cells and the NPR-B by NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells. In LLC-PK1 membranes, ATP-Mg2+ potentiated ANP-stimulated GC activity (ANP-s-GC). In contrast, in NIH-3T3 membranes, ATP-Mg2+ inhibited ANP-s-GC but enhanced CNP-stimulated GC activity (CNP-s GC). ATP in the presence of Mn2+ inhibited LLC-PK1 and NIH-3T3 membrane ANP-s-GC and CNP-s-GC. These are the first data suggesting that the ATP-Mg2+ produces different effects between membrane NPR-A and -B subtypes. We have also demonstrated that GC of NPR-B is sensitive to methylene blue.

Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate formation by preparations of rat liver soluble guanylate cyclase activated with nitric oxide, nitrosyl ferroheme, S-nitrosothiols, and other nitroso compounds

Cyclic AMP formation from ATP was stimulated by unpurified and partially purified soluble hepatic guanylate cyclase in the presence of nitric oxide (NO) or compounds containing a nitroso moiety such as nitroprusside, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), nitrosyl ferroheme, and S-nitrosothiols. Cyclic AMP formation was undetectable in the absence of NO or nitroso compounds and was not stimulated by fluoride or glucagon, indicating the absence of adenylate cyclase activity. The nitroso compounds failed to activate, whereas fluoride or glucagon activated, adenylate cyclase in washed rat liver membrane fractions. Cyclic GMP formation from GTP was markedly stimulated by the soluble hepatic fraction in the presence of NO or nitroso compounds. Cyclic AMP formation by partially purified guanylate cyclase was competitively inhibited by GTP and cyclic GMP formation is well-known to be competitively inhibited by ATP. Therefore, it appears that activated guanylate cyclase, rather than adenylate cyclase, was responsible for the formation of cyclic AMP from ATP. Formation of cyclic AMP of cyclic GMP was enhanced by thiols, inhibited by hemoproteins and oxidants, and required the addition of either Mg2+ or Mn2+. Further, several nitrosyl ferroheme compounds and S-nitrosothiols stimulated the formation of both cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP by the soluble hepatic fraction. These observations support the view that soluble guanylate cyclase is capable, under certain well-defined conditions, of catalyzing the conversion of ATP to cyclic AMP.