In vivo spin trapping of glyceryl trinitrate-derived nitric oxide in rabbit blood vessels and organs

Background The objectives of this study were (1) to assess glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)–derived nitric oxide (NO) formation in vascular tissues and organs of anesthetized rabbits in vivo, (2) to establish a correlation between tissue NO levels and a biological response, and (3) to verify biotransformation of GTN to NO by cytochrome P-450. Methods and Results NO was trapped in tissues in vivo as a stable paramagnetic mononitrosyl-iron-diethyldithiocarbamate complex [NOFe(DETC) 2 ]. After removal of the tissues, NO was determined by cryogenic electron spin resonance spectroscopy. NO formation in vitro was assessed by spin trapping and by activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase. The GTN-elicited decrease in coronary perfusion pressure was monitored in isolated, constant-flow perfused rabbit hearts. NO was not detected in control tissues. In GTN-treated rabbits, NO formation was higher in organs than in vascular tissues and higher in venous than in arterial vessels. In isolated hearts, ventricular NO levels and decreases in coronary perfusion pressure achieved by GTN were closely correlated. Purified cytochrome P-450 catalyzed NO formation from GTN in a P-450–NADPH reductase– and NADPH–dependent fashion. Conclusions Since GTN-derived NO formation in myocardial tissue correlates to the GTN-elicited vasodilator response, we conclude that GTN-derived NO detected in vivo correlates with the systemic effects of GTN. Therefore, the higher rate of NO formation detected in veins compared with arteries explains the preferential venodilator activity of GTN. High NO formation in cytochrome P-450–rich organs in vivo and efficient NO formation from GTN by cytochrome P-450 in vitro highlights the importance of this pathway for NO formation from GTN in the intact organism.