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Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a diet derived compound directly introduced through foodstuff, or endogenously synthesized from its precursors, primarily choline, L-carnitine, and ergothioneine. New evidence outlines high TMAO plasma concentrations in patients with overt cardiovascular disease, but its direct role in pathological development is still controversial. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of TMAO in affecting key intracellular factors involved in endothelial dysfunction development, such as reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial health, calcium balance, and nitric oxide release using bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAE-1). Cell viability and oxidative stress indicators were monitored after acute and prolonged TMAO treatment. The role of TMAO in interfering with the physiological purinergic vasodilatory mechanism after ATP stimulation was defined through measurements of the rise of intracellular calcium, nitric oxide release, and eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1179 (eNOS Ser1179 ). TMAO was not cytotoxic for BAE-1 and it did not induce the rise of reactive oxygen species and impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential, either in the basal condition or in the presence of a stressor. In contrast, TMAO modified the purinergic response affecting intracellular ATP-induced calcium increase, nitric oxide release, and eNOS Ser1179 . Results obtained suggest a possible implication of TMAO in impairing the endothelial-dependent vasodilatory mechanism.

The chromogranin-A peptide catestatin modulates a wide range of processes, such as cardiovascular functions, innate immunity, inflammation, and metabolism. We recently found that the cardiac antiadrenergic action of catestatin requires a PI3K-dependent NO release from endothelial cells, although the receptor involved is yet to be identified. In the present work, based on the cationic properties of catestatin, we tested the hypothesis of its interaction with membrane heparan sulphate proteoglycans, resulting in the activation of a caveolae-dependent endocytosis. Experiments were performed on bovine aortic endothelial cells. Endocytotic vesicles trafficking was quantified by confocal microscopy using a water-soluble membrane dye; catestatin colocalization with heparan sulphate proteoglycans and caveolin 1 internalization were studied by fluorimetric measurements in live cells. Modulation of the catestatin-dependent eNOS activation was assessed by immunofluorescence and immunoblot analysis. Our results demonstrate that catestatin (5 nM) colocalizes with heparan sulphate proteoglycans and induces a remarkable increase in the caveolae-dependent endocytosis and caveolin 1 internalization, which were significantly reduced by both heparinase and wortmannin. Moreover, catestatin was unable to induce Ser(1179) eNOS phosphorylation after pretreatments with heparinase and methyl-β-cyclodextrin. Taken together, these results highlight the obligatory role for proteoglycans and caveolae internalization in the catestatin-dependent eNOS activation in endothelial cells.

Aims: The ErbB-neuregulin-1β1 (Nrg1β1) pathway is required for cardiac development and exerts chronic effects on the postnatal adult heart. Long-term application of Nrg1β1 results in hypertrophy and protection against oxidative stress and cytotoxic agents. We performed experiments with acute Nrg1β1 treatment to find evidence for a further protective role due to rapid modulation of adult cardiomyocyte function., Methods and Results: In confocal fluorimetric measurements, Nrg1β1 induced a calcium-independent increase in nitric oxide (NO) production in isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVCMs) that was blocked by the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor Wortmannin. Western blot analysis showed enhancement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation in Nrg1β1-treated ARVCMs, which was attenuated by Wortmannin. Nrg1β1 induced a significant increase in calcium transient amplitude (indo-1 ratiometric measurement) and accelerated the recovery of cytosolic calcium in the sarcoplasmic reticulum without affecting whole-cell L-type calcium current. Wortmannin or the protein kinase G inhibiting peptide (DT-2) abolished the increase in calcium transient amplitude and the acceleration of calcium recovery induced by Nrg1β1 treatment. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that Nrg1β1 treatment increased phospholamban phosphorylation, and the effect was blocked by PI3K and protein kinase G inhibition. Caffeine-releasable sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content was also higher during Nrg1β1 administration., Conclusion: Rapid activation of PI3K, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and protein kinase G and a consequent improvement in diastolic calcium can be added to established Nrg1 protective roles.

Chromogranin A (CGA), produced by human and rat myocardium, generates several biologically active peptides processed at specific proteolytic cleavage sites. A highly conserved cleavage N-terminal site is the bond 64-65 that reproduces the native rat CGA sequence (rCGA1-64), corresponding to human N-terminal CGA-derived vasostatin-1. rCGA1-64 cardiotropic activity has been explored in rat cardiac preparations. In Langendorff perfused rat heart, rCGA1-64 (from 33 nM) induced negative inotropism and lusitropism as well as coronary dilation, counteracting isoproterenol (Iso) - and endothelin-1 (ET-1) -induced positive inotropic effects and ET-1-dependent coronary constriction. rCGA1-64 also depressed basal and Iso-induced contractility on rat papillary muscles, without affecting calcium transients on isolated ventricular cells. Structure-function analysis using three modified peptides on both rat heart and papillary muscles revealed the disulfide bridge requirement for the cardiotropic action. A decline in Iso intrinsic activity in the presence of the peptides indicates a noncompetitive antagonistic action. Experiments on rat isolated cardiomyocytes and bovine aortic endothelial cells indicate that the negative inotropism observed in rat papillary muscle is probably due to an endothelial phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent nitric oxide release, rather than to a direct action on cardiomyocytes. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that in the rat heart the homologous rCGA1-64 fragment exerts an autocrine/paracrine modulation of myocardial and coronary performance acting as stabilizer against intense excitatory stimuli.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a lipid mediator that exerts potent and diverse biological effects on several cardiovascular cells. We investigated the effect of S1P on interleukin (IL)-1beta-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). S1P inhibited NO production at concentrations higher than 0.1 muM; this was associated with the inhibition of iNOS protein and mRNA expression. S1P also inhibited IL-1beta-induced GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) mRNA expression. Pertussis toxin (PTX) partially attenuated the inhibitory effects of S1P on NO production and iNOS protein induction, whereas it completely blocked the inhibitory effects on iNOS and GTPCH mRNA expression. S1P inhibited iNOS expression in Ca(2+)-depleted conditions; PTX did not modify this effect. The Rho kinase inhibitor Y 27632 partially but significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of S1P on iNOS expression in Ca(2+)-depleted condition but did not affect it in the presence of Ca(2+). S1P significantly inhibited IL-1beta-induced persistent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) but had no effect in Ca(2+)-depleted conditions. Thus, S1P inhibits IL-1beta induction of NO production and iNOS expression in rat VSMCs through multiple mechanisms involving both PTX-sensitive and -insensitive G proteins coupled to S1P receptors. Furthermore, Ca(2+)-dependent ERK inhibition and Ca(2+)-independent Rho kinase activation might be involved in the inhibitory mechanism of iNOS expression. Through its action on NO production by VSMCs, S1P may play an important role in the progression of local vascular injury associated with thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and hypertension.

Background: Chronic, disease-associated oxidative stress induces myocardial peroxynitrite formation that may lead to nitrosative inhibition of the calcium cycling protein sarcoplasmic endoreticular calcium adenosine triphosphatase subtype 2a (SERCA2a). The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that the acute oxidative stress associated with lung resection also induces myocardial nitrosative stress and alters SERCA2a activity., Methods: Ventricular myocardium from 16 swine was studied; 11 animals had undergone left upper lobectomy (n = 7) or sham thoracotomy (n = 4) 3 days before harvest, and 5 were nonoperated controls. Tissue peroxynitrite was assessed by measurement of 3-nitrotyrosine incorporation into proteins. SERCA2a activity was determined from indo-1 uptake by isolated sarcoplasmic reticular membranes. Expression of SERCA2a and its regulatory protein phospholamban were determined by Western blotting, as was the phospholamban phosphorylation state (when dephosporylated, phospholamban inhibits SERCA2a). Mechanical significance of changes in SERCA2a activity was assessed from the force-frequency relation of isometric myocardial trabeculae., Results: Relative to both the control and sham groups, lobectomy animals exhibited a greater than twofold higher myocardial 3-nitrotyrosine incorporation and an approximately 50% lower SERCA2a activity, but no difference in SERCA2a or phospholamban expression or phospholamban phosphorylation. Concomitantly, whereas the trabecular force-frequency relation of control animals was positive, that of lobectomy animals was negative, consistent with impaired calcium cycling., Conclusions: These data indicate that oxidative/nitrosative stress associated with lung resection influences SERCA2a activity independent of any influence on protein expression or phospholamban phosphorylation. The findings link an acute event with a subcellular process primarily described for chronic illness and suggest a biochemical basis for perioperative changes in myocardial mechanical reserve.

Vasostatins (VSs) are vasoactive peptides derived from chromogranin A (CgA), a protein contained in secretory granules of chromaffin and other cells. The negative inotropic effect and the reduction of isoproterenol (Iso)-dependent inotropism induced by VSs in the heart suggest that they have an antiadrenergic function. However, further investigation of the mechanisms of action of VSs is needed. The aim of the present study was to define the signaling pathways activated by VS-1 in mammalian ventricular myocardium and cultured endothelial cells that lead to the modulation of cardiac contractility. Ca(2+) and nitric oxide (NO) fluorometric confocal imaging was used to study the effects induced by recombinant human VS-1 [STA-CgA-(1-76)] on contractile force, L-type Ca(2+) current, and Ca(2+) transients under basal conditions and after beta-adrenergic stimulation in rat papillary muscles and ventricular cells and the effects on intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and NO production in cultured bovine aortic endothelial (BAE-1) cells. VS-1 had no effect on basal contractility of papillary muscle, but the effect of Iso stimulation was reduced by 27%. Removal of endocardial endothelium and inhibition of NO synthesis and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity abolished the antiadrenergic effect of VS-1 on papillary muscle. In cardiomyocytes, 10 nM VS-1 was ineffective on basal and Iso (1 microM)-stimulated L-type Ca(2+) current and Ca(2+) transients. In BAE-1 cells, VS-1 induced a Ca(2+)-independent increase in NO production that was blocked by the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin. Our results suggest that the antiadrenergic effect of VS-1 is mainly due to a PI3K-dependent NO release by endothelial cells, rather than a direct action on cardiomyocytes.

Several effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the control of L-type calcium current (ICa) and of calcium handling in cardiomyocytes have been described. Cardiomyocytes have been shown to express in different conditions all types of nitric oxide synthases (NOS), but the role of NO in the regulation of calcium current remains controversial. Previously, we have shown in guinea pig ventricular cells a stimulatory effect of NOS inhibitors on ICa. Here we investigate the intracellular mechanisms involved in the putative inhibitory role of NO on basal ICa in ventricular cells. The stimulatory effect of the NOS inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) (1 mM) was present also in calcium transient measurements, but only after a preincubation with L-arginine (L-arg, 0.1 mM). The nitric oxide scavenger 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO, 0.5 mM) increased peak ICa in a similar manner to NOS inhibitors in whole-cell voltage-clamp experiments. Also ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxidiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one, 0.1 mM), a specific inhibitor of a target of NO, the soluble guanylate cyclase, was able to stimulate ICa. The block of type II phosphodiesterase (cGMP-activated) by EHNA (erythro-9-[2-hydroxy-3-nonylladenine, 30 microM) exerted a similar effect on ICa as PTIO and ODQ. Carbachol (CCh, 1 microM) was able to revert the stimulatory effect on ICa observed with PTIO, ODQ, and EHNA. We propose that the increase of basal ICa in guinea pig cardiomyocytes previously observed with L-NMMA depends on the removal of a tonic NO inhibition. This increase of ICa is mimicked by blocking at different steps the cGMP-cascade activated by NO, suggesting a NO-guanylate cyclase mechanism in the basal control of ventricular calcium current.

The protooncogene p21ras, a monomeric G protein family member, plays a critical role in converting extracellular signals into intracellular biochemical events. Here, we report that nitric oxide (NO) activates p21ras in human T cells as evidenced by an increase in GTP-bound p21ras. In vitro studies using pure recombinant p21ras demonstrate that the activation is direct and reversible. Circular dichroism analysis reveals that NO induces a profound conformational change in p21ras in association with GDP/GTP exchange. The mechanism of activation is due to S-nitrosylation of a critical cysteine residue which stimulates guanine nucleotide exchange. Furthermore, we demonstrate that p21ras is essential for NO-induced downstream signaling, such as NF-kappa B activation, and that endogenous NO can activate p21ras in the same cell. These studies identify p21ras as a target of the same cell. These studies identify p21ras as a target of NO in T cells and suggest that NO activates p21ras by an action which mimics that of guanine nucleotide exchange factors.

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor/nitric oxide (EDRF/NO) is produced by the vascular wall and is a key modulator of vascular tone and blood pressure. NO is also produced by vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) where it can inhibit proliferation. Since cytokine-activated VSMC proliferation is a major event in the development of atherosclerosis, we investigated the influence of cholesterol (CE)-enrichment of VSMC on cytokine-induced NO synthesis. Treatment of VSMC with native LDL for one week did not promote CE-accretion or alter NO production following exposure to endotoxin (LPS). In contrast, CE-enrichment by cationized LDL augmented LPS-induction of NO synthesis 2-5-fold. While TNF-alpha promoted little NO synthesis in control VSMC, it was very potent after CE-enrichment. Similarly, CE-enrichment augmented IL-1 alpha-induced NO synthesis. However, CE-enrichment did not affect the synergistic induction of NO synthesis by cytokines in combination with IFN-gamma. Our findings suggest that CE-enrichment of VSMC upregulates signal transduction pathways which mediate cytokine and LPS induction of NO synthase activity.

GTPCH1 mRNA and BH4 synthesis is increased by LPS in vascular smooth muscle. Our data suggest that induction of GTPCH1 and NOS represent two arms of a common pathway required for immunostimulant-evoked NO synthesis. This conclusion is consistent with the view that the major function of immunostimulant-evoked BH4 is to support NOS. Moreover, GTPCH1 and other enzymes of the de novo BH4 synthetic pathway may prove to be important targets for therapy of clinical conditions arising from NO overproduction. As we begin to reveal the molecular events governing the induction and expression of GTPCH1 and NOS, additional therapeutic approaches for treating NO overproduction are certain to be revealed.

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis is induced in vascular smooth muscle cells by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) where it appears to mediate a variety of vascular dysfunctions. In some cell types tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis has also been found to be induced by cytokines. Because BH4 is a cofactor for NO synthase, we investigated whether BH4 synthesis is required for LPS-induced NO production in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC). The total biopterin content (BH4 and more oxidized states) of untreated RASMC was below our limit of detection. However, treatment with LPS caused a significant rise in biopterin levels and an induction of NO synthesis; both effects of LPS were markedly potentiated by interferon-gamma. 2,4-Diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine (DAHP), a selective inhibitor of GTP cyclohydrolase I, the rate-limiting enzyme for de novo BH4 synthesis, completely abolished the elevated biopterin levels induced by LPS. DAHP also caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of LPS-induced NO synthesis. Inhibition of NO synthesis by DAHP was reversed by sepiapterin, an agent which circumvents the inhibition of biopterin synthesis by DAHP by serving as a substrate for BH4 synthesis via the pterin salvage pathway. The reversal by sepiapterin was overcome by methotrexate, an inhibitor of the pterin salvage pathway. Sepiapterin, and to a lesser extent BH4, dose-dependently enhanced LPS-induced NO synthesis, indicating that BH4 concentration limits the rate of NO production by LPS-activated RASMC. Sepiapterin also caused LPS-induced NO synthesis to appear with an abbreviated lag period phase, suggesting that BH4 availability also limits the onset of NO synthesis. In contrast to the stimulation of LPS-induced NO synthesis, observed when sepiapterin was given alone, sepiapterin became a potent inhibitor of NO synthesis in the presence of methotrexate. This is attributable to a direct inhibitory action of sepiapterin on GTP cyclohydrolase I, an activity which is only revealed after blocking the metabolism of sepiapterin to BH4. Further studies with sepiapterin, methotrexate, and N-acetylserotonin (an inhibitor of the BH4 synthetic enzyme, sepiapterin reductase) indicated that the BH4 is synthesized in RASMC predominantly from GTP; however, a lesser amount may derive from pterin salvage. We demonstrate that BH4 synthesis is an absolute requirement for induction of NO synthesis by LPS in vascular smooth muscle. Our findings also suggest that pterin synthesis inhibitors may be useful for the therapy of endotoxin- and cytokine-induced shock.

Tubular-fluid reabsorption by specialized cells of the nephron at the junction of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle and the distal convoluted tubule, termed the macula densa, releases compounds causing vasoconstriction of the adjacent afferent arteriole. Activation of this tubuloglomerular feedback response reduces glomerular capillary pressure of the nephron and, hence, the glomerular filtration rate. The tubuloglomerular feedback response functions in a negative-feedback mode to relate glomerular capillary pressure to tubular-fluid delivery and reabsorption. This system has been implicated in renal autoregulation, renin release, and longterm body fluid and blood-pressure homeostasis. Here we report that arginine-derived nitric oxide, generated in the macula densa, is an additional intercellular signaling molecule that is released during tubular-fluid reabsorption and counters the vasoconstriction of the afferent arteriole. Antibody to rat cerebellar constitutive nitric oxide synthase stained rat macula densa cells specifically. Microperfusion of the macula densa segment of single nephrons with N omega-methyl-L-arginine (an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase) or with pyocyanin (a lipid-soluble inhibitor of endothelium-derived relaxation factor) showed that generation of nitric oxide can vasodilate the afferent arteriole and increase glomerular capillary pressure; this effect was blocked by drugs that prevent tubular-fluid reabsorption. We conclude that nitric oxide synthase in macula densa cells is activated by tubular-fluid reabsorption and mediates a vasodilating component to the tubuloglomerular feedback response. These findings imply a role for arginine-derived nitric oxide in body fluid-volume and blood-pressure homeostasis, in addition to its established roles in modulation of vascular tone by the endothelium and in neurotransmission.

Hypoxia is a potent coronary-vasodilating signal; its mechanisms are still controversial. We have assessed the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) in hypoxic coronary vasodilatation (HCVD) in isolated guinea pig hearts perfused at constant pressure. HCVD was elicited by a 1-minute 100% N2 exposure; coronary flow doubled within 1 minute of hypoxia (early phase) and returned to baseline within 40 seconds after reoxygenation (late phase). The early phase of HCVD was associated with a rapid approximately eightfold increase in cGMP overflow, an indication of NO release. The specific NO synthase inhibitor N omega-methyl-L-arginine (NMA, 0.1-1 mM) antagonized HCVD and the associated increase in cGMP spillover (maximum inhibition, approximately 65%); excess arginine (1.2 mM) prevented both effects. The late phase of HCVD was associated with an increase in adenosine overflow and was attenuated by the adenosine receptor antagonist BW A1433 (1 microM; maximum inhibition, approximately 45%). Indomethacin (10 microM) inhibited HCVD in spontaneously beating hearts by approximately 35% but had no effect in hearts paced at faster rates. NMA and BW A1433 were more effective in combination than alone (maximum inhibition, approximately 72%). However, irrespective of the concentrations used, there was no synergism among the anti-HCVD effects of NMA, BW A1433, and indomethacin, nor was HCVD completely inhibited by the antagonists, whether alone or in combination. Our findings indicate that NO is an important mediator of the early phase of HCVD, whereas additional mechanisms and/or factors, including adenosine and vasodilatatory prostaglandins, contribute to the late phase.

We had reported that the systemic administration of N omega-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMA), a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis from L-arginine (ARG), raises arterial blood pressure (BP) while paradoxically enhancing central sympathetic outflow. Cervical spinal cord transection abolishes the increase in sympathetic outflow and attenuates the pressor effect of L-NMA. Thus, in addition to lowering BP by direct vasorelaxation, NO may also act in the central nervous system to reduce vascular sympathetic tone. To test this hypothesis we have injected L-NMA directly into the central nervous system in anesthetized rats. Intracisternally (i.c.), L-NMA elicited a small pressor response accompanied by a marked increase in sympathetic renal nerve activity (RNA). In contrast, the inactive stereoisomer N omega-methyl-D-arginine had neither pressor nor neural effects. The increases in RNA and BP elicited by i.c. L-NMA were abolished by spinal cord transection at C1 to C2 and by the i.v. administration of ARG. When administered i.c., ARG also abolished the increase in RNA elicited by i.v. L-NMA and significantly attenuated the pressor response. Thus, our findings indicate that L-NMA acts centrally by an ARG-reversible mechanism in the anesthetized rat to stimulate sympathetic nerve activity. Inasmuch as centrally synthesized NO has been postulated to play a second messenger and/or neurotransmitter role, our findings suggest that one such function would be the central regulation of sympathetic outflow and hence, BP.

Continuous production of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) in peripheral vessels has been shown to modulate vascular resistance and blood pressure. NO is also formed in the brain upon activation of glutamate receptors, which are thought to mediate central autonomic reflexes. In the present study we assessed whether NO plays a role in central autonomic regulation. For this, we have investigated the effects of NG-methyl-L-arginine (NMA), a selective inhibitor of NO synthesis from L-arginine, on sympathetic renal nerve activity (RNA), blood pressure, and heart rate in the anesthetized rat. NMA elicited a dose-dependent sustained increase in blood pressure (approximately 20 and 30 mm Hg, 5 minutes after 10 and 50 mumol/kg i.v., respectively). Heart rate and RNA decreased transiently (15 beats per minute and 40%, respectively); RNA subsequently increased (100%) while blood pressure remained elevated. Baroreceptor deafferentation markedly altered these responses to NMA; the transient decreases in heart rate and RNA were abolished, whereas the increases in RNA and blood pressure were significantly potentiated. After spinal C-1-C-2 transection, there was no increase in RNA, and blood pressure increased to a smaller extent. L-Arginine blocked the NMA-induced increases in blood pressure and RNA. Thus, in addition to modulating vascular resistance by a peripheral action, NO may also play a role in the central regulation of sympathetic tone.

We have previously reported that cultured murine brain endothelial cells (MBE) produce large quantities of nitric oxide (NO) after activation with interferon-gamma in combination with any of several immunoactivators including: bacterial endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1. Since endothelial cells are the first example of a cell-type which may possess both a constitutive and an inducible type of NO synthase, it was of interest to compare the requirements of these two enzyme activities. Induction of NO synthesis in MBE by cytokines was abolished by the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, and by 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyridine (DAHP), a selective inhibitor of GTP cyclohydrolase I, the rate-limiting enzyme for de novo synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin (THB). In the presence of DAHP, NO synthesis was restored by sepiapterin (SEP), a substrate for the alternative pathway of THB synthesis occurring via pterin salvage. Moreover, SEP increased NO synthesis to greater than 150% of control values, suggesting that THB availability is rate-limiting for NO synthesis by cytokine-induced MBE. Methotrexate, an inhibitor of the pterin salvage pathway of THB synthesis, completely reversed the stimulation of NO synthesis by sepiapterin. Thus, cytokine-induced MBE NO synthase appears to have an absolute requirement for THB as cofactor. In additional studies we found that NO synthesis by cytokine-activated MBE was inhibited by NG-monosubstituted arginine analogs with a rank-order of potency NH2 greater than CH3 greater than NO2, in contrast with the rank-order of NO2 greater than NH2 greater than CH3 previously described for inhibition of the constitutive endothelial cell enzyme. Using a kinetic assay for NO synthase activity, based on oxidation of myoglobin heme-iron, we have found that these rank orders of potency also apply to cytosol preparations of cytokine-induced and untreated endothelial cells, respectively. Further differences between constitutive and cytokine-induced NO synthase were observed with regard to calmodulin requirements. Whereas constitutive NO synthase was potently inhibited by the calmodulin antagonists mellitin and trifluoperazine, cytokine-induced NO synthase was unaffected. In summary, NO synthesis by cytokine-activated MBE is THB-dependent, calmodulin-independent and inhibited by NG-substituted arginine analogs with a rank-order profile distinct from that for untreated endothelial cells but identical to that for cytokine-activated macrophages.

N alpha-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester (BAEE) is a vasorelaxant which resembles an arginine-containing peptide; its action may be partially endothelium-dependent. Because L-arginine (ARG) has little potency as a vasorelaxant, it has been proposed that an arginine-containing peptide, rather than free ARG, is the immediate precursor of endothelium-derived relaxing factor/nitric oxide (EDRF/NO). In the present study we have characterized pharmacologically the vasorelaxant effect of BAEE and assessed the ability of BAEE to serve as a substrate for EDRF/NO synthesis. BAEE elicited a concentration-dependent vasorelaxation of guinea pig pulmonary artery (EC50 of 0.36 +/- 0.05 mM). This vasorelaxation was neither antagonized by -NG-methyl-L-arginine (100 microM), a competitive inhibitor of EDRF/NO synthesis from ARG, nor potentiated by superoxide dismutase (60 U/ml), a superoxide anion scavenger that prolongs EDRF lifetime. Additionally, compound LY 83583 (1 microM) and methylene blue (10 microM), inhibitors of soluble guanylyl cyclase, failed to block BAEE-induced vasorelaxation. Moreover, endothelium removal potentiated the vasorelaxant effect of BAEE 3-fold. Thus, BAEE-induced vasorelaxation is mediated by a direct action on vascular smooth muscle that is unrelated to EDRF/NO synthesis. Furthermore, ARG, but not BAEE, overcame the inhibition by NG-methyl-L-arginine of the acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent cyclic GMP accumulation in guinea pig aortic rings and of A23187-induced nitrite formation by cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (nitrite is a convenient indicator of NO biosynthesis). Thus, BAEE cannot substitute for ARG as a substrate for EDRF/NO biosynthesis. Collectively, our findings support the notion that free ARG, rather than an arginine-containing peptide related to BAEE, is the immediate biosynthetic precursor of EDRF/NO.

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that results from exposure to bacterial endotoxin. It is manifested by cardiovascular collapse and mediated by the release of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor. Some of these cytokines cause the release of vasoactive substances. In the present study, administration of 40 microgram/kg of bacterial endotoxin to dogs caused a 33% decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and a 54% fall in mean arterial blood pressure within 30 to 90 minutes. Vascular resistance and systemic arterial pressure returned to normal within 1.5 minutes after intravenous administration of NG-methyl-L-arginine (20 mg/kg), a potent and selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis. L-Arginine reversed the effect of L-NMA and restored the endotoxin-induced hypotension. Although NG-methyl-L-arginine injection increased blood pressure in control dogs, the hypertensive effect was much greater in endotoxemic dogs (24.8 +/- 2.7 mmHg vs 47.8 +/- 6.8 mmHg, p = 0.01, n = 4). NG-Methyl-L-arginine caused only a modest increase in blood pressure in dogs made hypotensive by continuous intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin (17.1 +/- 5.0 mm Hg, n = 3). These findings suggest that nitric oxide overproduction is an important contributor to endotoxic shock. Moreover, our findings demonstrate for the first time, the utility of nitric oxide synthesis inhibitors in endotoxic shock and suggest that such inhibitors may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of septic shock.

Many cell types are known to synthesize nitric oxide (NO.) from L-arginine. There appear to be at least two forms of NO. synthase: an inducible, tetrahydrobiopterin- and flavin-dependent activity exemplified by the macrophage enzyme and a constitutive, Ca+(+)-dependent activity exemplified by the endothelial cell enzyme. L-NG-methylarginine inhibits NO. synthesis by both cell types. We now report that L-NG-aminoarginine and L-NG-nitroarginine are about 100-fold more potent than NG-methylarginine in blocking endothelial cell NO. synthesis. In contrast, NG-aminoarginine and NG-methylarginine are about equipotent with macrophages whereas NG-nitroarginine is much less potent. Since macrophage and endothelial cell NO. synthesis are differentially sensitive to the inhibitors, the panel of inhibitors can be used in complex biological systems to determine if macrophage-like or endothelial-like cells are the predominant source of NO.. Indeed, all three inhibitors elicit a strong pressor response in the anesthetized guinea pig, a result consistent with the view that endothelial cells continually produce vasodilatory NO(.).

Clinical assessment of the activity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) against human cancer has been limited by a dose-dependent cardiovascular toxicity, most frequently hypotension. TNF is also thought to mediate the vascular collapse resulting from bacterial endotoxin. The present studies address the mechanism by which TNF causes hypotension and provide evidence for elevated production of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator initially characterized as endothelium-derived relaxing factor. Nitric oxide is synthesized by several cell types, including endothelial cells and macrophages, from the guanidino nitrogen of L-arginine; the enzymatic pathway is competitively inhibited by NG-methyl-L-arginine. We found that hypotension induced in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs by TNF (10 micrograms/kg, i.v., resulting in a fall in mean systemic arterial pressure from 124.7 +/- 7 to 62.0 +/- 22.9 mmHg; 1 mmHg = 133 Pa) was completely reversed within 2 min following administration of NG-methyl-L-arginine (4.4 mg/kg, i.v.). In contrast, NG-methyl-L-arginine failed to reverse the hypotensive response to an equivalent depressor dose of nitroglycerin, a compound that acts by forming nitric oxide by a nonenzymatic, arginine-independent mechanism. The effect of NG-methyl-L-arginine on TNF-induced hypotension was antagonized, and the hypotension restored, by administration of excess L-arginine (100 mg/kg, i.v.). Our findings suggest that excessive nitric oxide production mediates the hypotensive effect of TNF.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a major endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) released in response to vasodilating amines, peptides, proteins, ionophores, and nucleotides. EDRF is an important regulator of smooth muscle tone and platelet aggregation and adhesion. Histamine and acetylcholine relax the intact norepinephrine-constricted guinea pig pulmonary artery by an EDRF-dependent mechanism in a medium free of amino acids. N omega-Monomethylarginine (N-MeArg; 0.25 mM) inhibited this relaxation by 64-73%. Inhibition by N-MeArg developed rapidly and was immediately and completely reversed by excess L-arginine but not by D-arginine or by citrulline. N-MeArg did not diminish relaxation induced by nitroprusside, an NO-generating agent, indicating that N-MeArg acts on endothelium rather than on smooth muscle. These observations strongly suggest that, in the intact guinea pig pulmonary artery, EDRF originates from enzymatic action on the guanido nitrogen(s) of an endogenous pool of arginine. This is strikingly similar to the origin of reactive nitrogen intermediates in activated macrophages.

L-arginine-dependent synthesis of nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) by macrophages correlates with and is required for their execution of nonspecific cytotoxicity toward some tumor cells and microbes. However, the bioactive L-arginine metabolites responsible for cytotoxicity are unknown. Mammalian endothelial cells have recently been shown to release nitric oxide (NO.); we therefore determined if this reactive metabolite was synthesized by activated murine macrophages. Macrophage-derived NO. was detected by two independent methods: a bioassay for NO.-mediated relaxation of preconstricted rings of rabbit aorta; and a spectroscopic measurement of the reaction of NO. with clostridial ferredoxin, an Fe-S protein. After activation with IFN-gamma and LPS, macrophages continuously secreted a substance that relaxed rabbit aortic rings denuded of endothelium. Production of the vasorelaxant was enhanced by 0.5 mM L-arginine and inhibited reversibly by NG-methylated L-arginine analogs that block macrophage NO2-/NO3- synthesis. The vasorelaxant was scavenged by ferrous myoglobin, was labile, and was neither NO2- nor a cyclooxygenase metabolite. Activated M phi also secreted a substance that bleached Fd, a reaction carried out by NO. and NO2, but not NO2-. Macrophage bleaching of Fd correlated directly with time, cell number, and concomitant NO2-/NO3- production, required L-arginine, and was independent of reactive oxygen intermediates. Thus, activated murine M phi release NO. and/or a closely related, highly reactive nitrogen oxide such as NO2, during their conversion of L-arginine to NO2-/NO3-. NO. and NO2 may mediate L-arginine-dependent pathologic effects of M phi, as well as physiologic effects not previously considered for this widely distributed cell type.

Nitric oxide is a major endothelium-derived vascular smooth muscle relaxing factor; its synthesis from L-arginine is selectively inhibited by L-NG-methylarginine. To assess whether basal nitric oxide release contributes to blood pressure regulation in vivo, we have investigated the cardiovascular effects of L-NG-methylarginine in the anesthetized guinea pig. L-NG-methylarginine (0.1-10 mg/kg, i.v. bolus) elicited a sustained, dose-dependent, increase in arterial pressure and a moderate bradycardia. L-arginine (30 mg/kg i.v.) prevented or reversed the pressor effect of L-NG-methylarginine, while atropine (2 mg/kg) abolished the associated bradycardia. In contrast, L-arginine did not attenuate the pressor effect of norepinephrine or angiotensin. Our findings suggest that basal nitric oxide production is sufficient to modulate peripheral vascular resistance; hence nitric oxide may play a role in arterial pressure homeostasis.