Metabolism of bradykinin in aorta of hypertensive rats

Alterations in the formation and metabolism of bradykinin (Bk) are hypothesized to play a role in the pathophysiology of hypertension, atherosclerosis and vascular complications of diabetes. However, despite its prominent role in cardiovascular regulation, studies on bradykinin have been limited by various difficulties in accurate measurements of this peptide in biological samples. In this study, using the LC-ESI-MS method we estimated the conversion of exogenous Bk to its main metabolites - Bk-(1-5) and Bk-(1-7) - in endothelial cell culture and in fragments of aorta of normotensive (WKY) and hypertensive rats (SHR). The effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors were more pronounced in SHR: perindoprilat inhibited Bk-(1-5) formation by 49 % and 76 % in WKY and SHR rats, respectively, and tiorphan tended to decrease formation of Bk-(1-5) in both groups of animals. The degradation of bradykinin and generation of both metabolites were significantly higher in the aorta of SHR rats than in WKY controls. Our results show that even in relatively early hypertension (in 4-month old SHR rats) inactivation of Bk by aorta wall is enhanced.     

Developmental switch in the pharmacology of Ca2+ channels coupled to acetylcholine release.

The pharmacological specificity of Ca2+ channel-secretion coupling in acetylcholine (ACh) and somatostatin (SOM) release was studied in the chick eye choroid neuromuscular junctions and in dissociated ciliary ganglion (CG) neurons. ACh secretion changes in development from stage (St) 40, when release is dihydropyridine (DHP) and partially omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTX) sensitive, to posthatch, when release is insensitive to DHPs but sensitive to omega-CgTX. St 40 CG neurons cultured with striated muscle have release properties similar to those of St 40 iris and choroid but different from those of St 34 neurons, which are neither DHP nor omega-CgTX sensitive. SOM (also coreleased from posthatch choroid terminals) can inhibit ACh release in both posthatch and St 40 choroids, suggesting that the SOM receptor interacts with both DHP-sensitive and -insensitive channels.     

Major role for neuronal NO synthase in curtailing choroidal blood flow autoregulation in newborn pig.

We examined whether nitric oxide (NO) generated from neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) contributes to the reduced ability of the newborn to autoregulate retinal blood flow (RBF) and choroidal blood flow (ChBF) during acute rises in perfusion pressure. In newborn pigs (1-2 days old), RBF (measured by microsphere) is autoregulated over a narrow range of perfusion pressure, whereas ChBF is not autoregulated. N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or specific nNOS inhibitors 7-nitroindazole, 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole, and 1-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)imidazole as well as ganglionic blocker hexamethonium, unveiled a ChBF autoregulation as observed in juvenile (4- to 6-wk old) animals, whereas autoregulation of RBF in the newborn was only enhanced by L-NAME. All NOS inhibitors and hexamethonium prevented the hypertension-induced increase in NO mediator cGMP in the choroid. nNOS mRNA expression and activity were three- to fourfold higher in the choroid of newborn pigs than in tissues of juvenile pigs. It is concluded that increased production of NO from nNOS curtails ChBF autoregulation in the newborn and suggests a role for the autonomic nervous system in this important hemodynamic function, whereas, for RBF autoregulation, endothelial NOS seems to exert a more important contribution in limiting autoregulation.     

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase-derived hydrogen peroxide is a major endothelium-dependent relaxing factor

Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in large vessels is mainly attributed to Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-sensitive endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS)-derived NO production. Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) is the component of endothelium-dependent relaxations that resists full blockade of NO synthases (NOS) and cyclooxygenases. H2O2 has been proposed as an EDHF in resistance vessels. In this work we propose that in mice aorta neuronal (n)NOS-derived H2O2 accounts for a large proportion of endothelium-dependent ACh-induced relaxation. In mice aorta rings, ACh-induced relaxation was inhibited by L-NAME and Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), two nonselective inhibitors of NOS, and attenuated by selective inhibition of nNOS with L-ArgNO2-L-Dbu-NH2 2TFA (L-ArgNO2-L-Dbu) and 1-(2-trifluoromethylphehyl)imidazole (TRIM). The relaxation induced by ACh was associated with enhanced H2O2 production in endothelial cells that was prevented by the addition of L-NAME, L-NNA, L-ArgNO2-L-Dbu, TRIM, and removal of the endothelium. The addition of catalase, an enzyme that degrades H2O2, reduced ACh-dependent relaxation and abolished ACh-induced H2O2 production. RT-PCR experiments showed the presence of mRNA for eNOS and nNOS but not inducible NOS in mice aorta. The constitutive expression of nNOS was confirmed by Western blot analysis in endothelium-containing vessels but not in endothelium-denuded vessels. Immunohistochemistry data confirmed the localization of nNOS in the vascular endothelium. Antisense knockdown of nNOS decreased both ACh-dependent relaxation and ACh-induced H2O2 production. Antisense knockdown of eNOS decreased ACh-induced relaxation but not H2O2 production. Residual relaxation in eNOS knockdown mouse aorta was further inhibited by the selective inhibition of nNOS with L-ArgNO2-L-Dbu. In conclusion, these results show that nNOS is constitutively expressed in the endothelium of mouse aorta and that nNOS-derived H2O2 is a major endothelium-dependent relaxing factor. Hence, in the mouse aorta, the effects of nonselective NOS inhibitors cannot be solely ascribed to NO release and action without considering the coparticipation of H2O2 in mediating vasodilatation.     

Sphingomyelinase causes endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation through endothelial nitric oxide production without cytosolic Ca(2+) elevation

Neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase) elevated nitric oxide (NO) production without affecting intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in endothelial cells in situ on aortic valves, and induced prominent endothelium-dependent relaxation of coronary arteries, which was blocked by N(omega)-monomethyl-L-arginine, a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor. N-SMase induced translocation of endothelial NOS (eNOS) from plasma membrane caveolae to intracellular region, eNOS phosphorylation on serine 1179, and an increase of ceramide level in endothelial cells. Membrane-permeable ceramide (C(8)-ceramide) mimicked the responses to N-SMase. We propose the involvement of N-SMase and ceramide in Ca(2+)-independent eNOS activation and NO production in endothelial cells in situ, linking to endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.     

Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide intrinsic choroidal neurons in human choroidal whole-mounts

To determine the presence in the human choroid of substance P (SP)-and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) positive intrinsic choroidal neurons (ICNs), choroidal whole-mounts were processed for indirect immunofluorescence. An antibody to a component of the neuronal cytoskeleton, neurofilament 200 kDa (NF-200), was combined with antibodies to SP and to CGRP (neuropeptides proper to the sensory nervous system). The human choroid possesses numerous SP(+) and CGRP(+) ICNs. These neurons were observed in the suprachoroid, both in isolation and forming microganglia. For both types of ICNs studied, neurons were more numerous in the temporal than in the nasal regions. In both locations, SP(+) and CGRP(+) ICNs were more abundant in the central choroid (the choroid underneath the macular area of the retina), with cell density diminishing outwards to the choroidal periphery. There were no appreciable differences between the two populations of ICNs studied in terms of size, morphology or immunostaining characteristics. In conclusion, given that peripheral sensory innervation could be involved in the regulation of both choroidal blood flow and vascular architecture, the SP(+) and CGRP(+) ICNs described for the first time in the present work may be involved in these mechanisms of vascular regulation.     

Progressive dysfunction of nitric oxide synthase in a lamb model of chronically increased pulmonary blood flow: a role for oxidative stress

Cardiac defects associated with increased pulmonary blood flow result in pulmonary vascular dysfunction that may relate to a decrease in bioavailable nitric oxide (NO). An 8-mm graft (shunt) was placed between the aorta and pulmonary artery in 30 late gestation fetal lambs; 27 fetal lambs underwent a sham procedure. Hemodynamic responses to ACh (1 microg/kg) and inhaled NO (40 ppm) were assessed at 2, 4, and 8 wk of age. Lung tissue nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, endothelial NOS (eNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), lung tissue and plasma nitrate and nitrite (NO(x)), and lung tissue superoxide anion and nitrated eNOS levels were determined. In shunted lambs, ACh decreased pulmonary artery pressure at 2 wk (P < 0.05) but not at 4 and 8 wk. Inhaled NO decreased pulmonary artery pressure at each age (P < 0.05). In control lambs, ACh and inhaled NO decreased pulmonary artery pressure at each age (P < 0.05). Total NOS activity did not change from 2 to 8 wk in control lambs but increased in shunted lambs (ANOVA, P < 0.05). Conversely, NO(x) levels relative to NOS activity were lower in shunted lambs than controls at 4 and 8 wk (P < 0.05). eNOS protein levels were greater in shunted lambs than controls at 4 wk of age (P < 0.05). Superoxide levels increased from 2 to 8 wk in control and shunted lambs (ANOVA, P < 0.05) and were greater in shunted lambs than controls at all ages (P < 0.05). Nitrated eNOS levels were greater in shunted lambs than controls at each age (P < 0.05). We conclude that increased pulmonary blood flow results in progressive impairment of basal and agonist-induced NOS function, in part secondary to oxidative stress that decreases bioavailable NO.     

Vasodilator mechanisms in the coronary circulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase-deficient mice

Previous studies have demonstrated that responses to endothelium-dependent vasodilators are absent in the aortas from mice deficient in expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS -/- mice), whereas responses in the cerebral microcirculation are preserved. We tested the hypothesis that in the absence of eNOS, other vasodilator pathways compensate to preserve endothelium-dependent relaxation in the coronary circulation. Diameters of isolated, pressurized coronary arteries from eNOS -/-, eNOS heterozygous (+/-), and wild-type mice (eNOS +/+ and C57BL/6J) were measured by video microscopy. ACh (an endothelium-dependent agonist) produced vasodilation in wild-type mice. This response was normal in eNOS +/- mice and was largely preserved in eNOS -/- mice. Responses to nitroprusside were also similar in arteries from eNOS +/+, eNOS +/-, and eNOS -/- mice. Dilation to ACh was inhibited by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine, an inhibitor of NOS in control and eNOS -/- mice. In contrast, trifluoromethylphenylimidazole, an inhibitor of neuronal NOS (nNOS), decreased ACh-induced dilation in arteries from eNOS-deficient mice but had no effect on responses in wild-type mice. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, decreased vasodilation to ACh in eNOS-deficient, but not wild-type, mice. Thus, in the absence of eNOS, dilation of coronary arteries to ACh is preserved by other vasodilator mechanisms.     

Ghrelin improves endothelial dysfunction through growth hormone-independent mechanisms in rats

Ghrelin is a novel growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide which was isolated from the stomach. We have reported that ghrelin causes vasorelaxation in rats through GH-independent mechanisms. We investigated whether ghrelin improves endothelial dysfunction. Ghrelin was subcutaneously administered to GH-deficient rats for three weeks. After isolation of the thoracic aorta, aortic ring tension was measured to evaluate vasorelaxation. Acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation was impaired in GH-deficient rats given placebo compared to that in normal rats given placebo. GH-deficient rats treated with ghrelin, however, showed a significant increase in the maximal relaxation as compared with those given placebo. This improvement by ghrelin was inhibited by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a nonselective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor. Western blot analysis demonstrated that treatment with ghrelin increased endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression in the aorta of GH-deficient rats. These results suggest that administration of ghrelin improves endothelial dysfunction and increases eNOS expression in rats through GH-independent mechanisms.     

Nitric oxide is proangiogenic in the retina and choroid

Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to have proangiogenic or antiangiogenic effects depending upon the setting. In this study, we used mice with targeted deletion of one of the three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to investigate the effects of NO in ocular neovascularization. In transgenic mice with increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in photoreceptors, deficiency of any of the three isoforms caused a significant decrease in subretinal neovascularization, but no alteration of VEGF expression. In mice with laser-induced rupture of Bruch's membrane, deficiency of inducible NOS (iNOS) or neuronal NOS (nNOS), but not endothelial NOS (eNOS), caused a significant decrease in choroidal neovascularization. In mice with oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy, deficiency of eNOS, but not iNOS or nNOS caused a significant decrease in retinal neovascularization and decreased expression of VEGF. These data suggest that NO contributes to both retinal and choroidal neovascularization and that different isoforms of NOS are involved in different settings and different disease processes. A broad spectrum NOS inhibitor may have therapeutic potential for treatment of both retinal and choroidal neovascularization.     

Tetrahydrobiopterin, a cofactor for NOS, improves endothelial dysfunction during chronic alcohol consumption

We sought to investigate mechanisms that may account for impaired nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent dilatation of cerebral arterioles during alcohol consumption. Our goals were to examine 1) the effect of exogenous application of a cofactor for NOS, i.e., tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) on the reactivity of pial arterioles during alcohol consumption; and 2) endothelial NOS (eNOS) protein in nonalcohol-fed and alcohol-fed rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed liquid diets with or without alcohol for 2-3 mo. We measured in vivo diameter of pial arterioles in response to NOS-dependent agonists (ACh and ADP) and a NOS-independent agonist (nitroglycerin) before and during application of BH4. Blood vessels were then harvested for Western blot analysis of eNOS protein. In nonalcohol-fed rats, ACh and ADP produced vasodilatation, which was impaired in alcohol-fed rats. Vasodilatation to nitroglycerin was similar in both groups of rats. Application of BH4 did not alter vasodilatation in nonalcohol-fed rats but improved impaired vasodilatation in alcohol-fed rats. Also, eNOS protein in cerebral cortex microvessels, the basilar artery, and aorta was not different between nonalcohol-fed and alcohol-fed rats. Thus impaired NOS-dependent vasodilatation during alcohol consumption does not appear to be related to an alteration in eNOS protein but may be related to a deficiency and/or alteration in the utilization of BH4.     

An animal model of age-related macular degeneration in senescent Ccl-2- or Ccr-2-deficient mice

The study and treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness, has been hampered by a lack of animal models. Here we report that mice deficient either in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (Ccl-2; also known as MCP-1) or its cognate C-C chemokine receptor-2 (Ccr-2) develop cardinal features of AMD, including accumulation of lipofuscin in and drusen beneath the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), photoreceptor atrophy and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Complement and IgG deposition in RPE and choroid accompanies senescence in this model, as in human AMD. RPE or choroidal endothelial production of Ccl-2 induced by complement C5a and IgG may mediate choroidal macrophage infiltration into aged wild-type choroids. Wild-type choroidal macrophages degrade C5 and IgG in eye sections of Ccl2(-/-) or Ccr2(-/-) mice. Impaired macrophage recruitment may allow accumulation of C5a and IgG, which induces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by RPE, possibly mediating development of CNV. These models implicate macrophage dysfunction in AMD pathogenesis and may be useful as a platform for validating therapies.     

Changing standard chow diet promotes vascular NOS dysfunction in Dahl S rats

We hypothesized that vascular nitric oxide synthase (NOS) function and expression is differentially regulated in adult Dahl salt-sensitive rats maintained on Teklad or American Institutes of Nutrition (AIN)-76A standard chow diets from 3 to 16 wk old. At 16 wk old, acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated vasorelaxation and phenylephrine (PE)-mediated vasoconstriction in the presence and absence of NOS inhibitor, N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), was assessed in small-resistance mesenteric arteries and aortas. Rats maintained on either diet throughout the study had similar responses to ACh and PE in the presence or absence of L-NAME in both vascular preparations. We reasoned that changing from one diet to another as adults may induce vascular NOS dysfunction. In the absence of L-NAME, small arteries from Teklad-fed rats switched to AIN-76 diet and vice versa had similar responses to ACh and PE. Small-arterial NOS function was maintained in rats switched to AIN-76A from Teklad diet, whereas NOS function in response to ACh and PE was lost in the small arteries from rats changed to Teklad from AIN-76A diet. This loss of NOS function was echoed by reduced expression of NOS3, as well as phosphorylated NOS3. The change in NOS phenotype in the small arteries was observed without changes in blood pressure. Aortic responses to ACh or PE in the presence or absence of L-NAME were similar in all diet groups. These data indicate that changing standard chow diets leads to small arterial NOS dysfunction and reduced NOS signaling, predisposing Dahl salt-sensitive rats to vascular disease.     

Endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation in the forelimb and hindlimb vasculatures of swine

Limb differences in endothelial function exist between arm and leg vasculatures of humans. The current investigation tested the hypothesis that forelimb and hindlimb vasorelaxation are similar in the absence of limb differences in blood pressure. Conduit arteries (brachials/femorals) and second order arterioles were harvested from 22 miniature Yucatan swine. In vitro assessment of vasorelaxation was determined by administering increasing doses of bradykinin (BK), acetylcholine (ACh), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The role of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways was assessed in conduit arteries but not resistance arterioles through L-NAME (300 microM) and INDO (5 microM) incubation, respectively. The relaxation responses to BK and ACh were similar in brachial and femoral arteries. SNP relaxation response was greater in the brachial compared to femoral arteries. There were also no significant differences in the relaxation responses of second order arterioles of the forelimb and hindlimb to BK, ACh, and SNP. Incubation of conduit arterial rings in L-NAME produced a greater reduction in BK and ACh relaxation in the brachial (approximately 25%) compared to femoral (approximately 13%) arterial rings. The current results of this investigation suggest that the forelimb and hindlimb vasculatures of swine have relatively similar vasorelaxation responses to both endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilators.     

Adiponectin at Physiologically Relevant Concentrations Enhances the Vasorelaxative Effect of Acetylcholine via Cav-1/AdipoR-1 Signaling

Clinical studies have identified hypoadiponectinemia as an independent hypertension risk factor. It is known that adiponectin (APN) can directly cause vasodilation, but the doses required exceed physiologic levels several fold. In the current study, we determine the effect of physiologically relevant APN concentrations upon vascular tone, and investigate the mechanism(s) responsible. Physiologic APN concentrations alone induced no significant vasorelaxation. Interestingly, pretreatment of wild type mouse aortae with physiologic APN levels significantly enhanced acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasorelaxation (P<0.01), an endothelium-dependent and nitric oxide (NO)-mediated process. Knockout of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) or caveolin-1 (Cav-1, a cell signaling facilitating molecule), but not adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) abolished APN-enhanced ACh-induced vasorelaxation. Immunoblot assay revealed APN promoted the AdipoR1/Cav1 signaling complex in human endothelial cells. Treatment of HUVECs with physiologic APN concentrations caused significant eNOS phosphorylation and nitric oxide (NO) production (P<0.01), an effect abolished in knockdown of either AdipoR1 or Cav-1. Taken together, these data demonstrate for the first time physiologic APN levels enhance the vasorelaxative response to ACh by inducing NO production through AdipoR1/Cav-1 mediated signaling. In physiologic conditions, APN plays an important function of maintaining vascular tone.     

Impaired nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation in transgenic sickle mouse

Transgenic sickle mice expressing human beta(S)- and beta(S-Antilles)-globins show intravascular sickling, red blood cell adhesion, and attenuated arteriolar constriction in response to oxygen. We hypothesize that these abnormalities and the likely endothelial damage, also reported in sickle cell anemia, alter nitric oxide (NO)-mediated microvascular responses and hemodynamics in this mouse model. Transgenic mice showed a lower mean arterial pressure (MAP) compared with control groups (90 +/- 7 vs. 113 +/- 8 mmHg, P < 0.00001), accompanied by increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nonselective inhibitor of NOS, caused an approximately 30% increase in MAP and approximately 40% decrease in the diameters of cremaster muscle arterioles (branching orders: A2 and A3) in both control and transgenic mice, confirming NOS activity; these changes were reversible after L-arginine administration. Aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of inducible NOS, had no effect. Transgenic mice showed a decreased (P < 0.02-0.01) arteriolar dilation in response to NO-mediated vasodilators, i.e., ACh and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Indomethacin did not alter the responses to ACh and SNP. Forskolin, a cAMP-activating agent, caused a comparable dilation of A2 and A3 vessels ( approximately 44 and 70%) in both groups of mice. Thus in transgenic mice, an increased eNOS/NO activity results in lower blood pressure and diminished arteriolar responses to NO-mediated vasodilators. Although the increased NOS/NO activity may compensate for flow abnormalities, it may also cause pathophysiological alterations in vascular tone.     

Adiponectin improves endothelial function in hyperlipidemic rats by reducing oxidative/nitrative stress and differential regulation of eNOS/iNOS activity

Plasma adiponectin level is significantly reduced in patients with metabolic syndrome, and vascular dysfunction is an important pathological event in these patients. However, whether adiponectin may protect endothelial cells and attenuate endothelial dysfunction caused by metabolic disorders remains largely unknown. Adult rats were fed with a regular or a high-fat diet for 14 wk. The aorta was isolated, and vascular segments were incubated with vehicle or the globular domain of adiponectin (gAd; 2 mug/ml) for 4 h. The effect of gAd on endothelial function, nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide production, nitrotyrosine formation, gp91(phox) expression, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/inducible NOS (iNOS) activity/expression was determined. Severe endothelial dysfunction (maximal vasorelaxation in response to ACh: 70.3 +/- 3.3 vs. 95.2 +/- 2.5% in control, P < 0.01) was observed in hyperlipidemic aortic segments, and treatment with gAd significantly improved endothelial function (P < 0.01). Paradoxically, total NO production was significantly increased in hyperlipidemic vessels, and treatment with gAd slightly reduced, rather than increased, total NO production in these vessels. Treatment with gAd reduced (-78%, P < 0.01) superoxide production and peroxynitrite formation in hyperlipidemic vascular segments. Moreover, a moderate attenuation (-30%, P < 0.05) in gp91(phox) and iNOS overexpression in hyperlipidemic vessels was observed after gAd incubation. Treatment with gAd had no effect on eNOS expression but significantly increased eNOS phosphorylation (P < 0.01). Most noticeably, treatment with gAd significantly enhanced eNOS (+83%) but reduced iNOS (-70%, P < 0.01) activity in hyperlipidemic vessels. Collectively, these results demonstrated that adiponectin protects the endothelium against hyperlipidemic injury by multiple mechanisms, including promoting eNOS activity, inhibiting iNOS activity, preserving bioactive NO, and attenuating oxidative/nitrative stress.     

Bradykinin- and chemotactic peptide fMLP-stimulated leukotriene biosynthesis in rat lungs and its inhibition by vasoactive intestinal peptide

The release/biosynthesis of peptidoleukotrienes (pLT) from rat lung tissue was stimulated with either bradykinin (Bk) or the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucinyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Bk- and fMLP-induced stimulation of pLT levels was dose-related for leukotriene D4 (LTD4), E4 (LTE4) and total pLTs and was maximal when a 10 microM concentration of either peptide was used. This stimulation was partially counteracted by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), in agreement with the previously reported VIP inhibition of platelet activating factor- and IgG-stimulated pLT biosynthesis.     

Effects of spontaneous or induced brain ischemia on vessel reactivity: the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase

Short episodes of ischemia and reperfusion in various organs may protect the organ itself, and the heart both as an immediate and a delayed effect. The present study investigates whether a systemic protection of vascular function occurs during adaption to ischemia. Brain ischemia was induced by bilateral ligation of the internal carotid arteries in C57BL6 mice, and 24-36 hours later rings of the thoracic aorta were mounted to study in vitro relaxation and contraction, or proteins were extracted for immunoblotting for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) or inducible NOS (iNOS). eNOS decreased, while iNOS increased in the aortic wall after carotid artery ligation. In vitro contraction to increasing concentrations of prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) was attenuated, while relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) was enhanced. The latter was abolished by the iNOS-inhibitor aminoguanidine. When brain ischemia was induced in iNOS deficient mice, an increase of aortic eNOS was found 24 hours later. The ischemia-induced attenuated relaxation to PGF(2alpha) and enhanced relaxation to ACh were abolished. Aortic rings from mice with severe atherosclerosis (apolipoprotein E and low density lipoprotein receptor double knockout (ApoE/LDLr KO) mice) and spontaneous ischemic events in the heart or brain in vivo were also studied. Spontaneous ischemic events in ApoE/LDLr KO animals did not influence iNOS and eNOS in the vessel wall. A reduced contraction to PGF(2alpha) was observed, but relaxation to ACh was unchanged. These findings suggest that induced brain ischemia as a model of delayed, remote preconditioning protects vessel reactivity, and this protection is mediated by iNOS.     

Agonist-dependent variablity of contributions of nitric oxide and prostaglandins in human skeletal muscle.

The relative contributions of endothelium-dependent dilators [nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins (PGs), and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)] in human limbs are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that relative contributions of NO and PGs differ between endothelial agonists acetylcholine (ACh; 1, 2, and 4 microg.dl(-1).min(-1)) and bradykinin (BK; 6.25, 25, and 50 ng.dl(-1).min(-1)). We measured forearm blood flow (FBF) using venous occlusion plethysmography in 50 healthy volunteers (27 +/- 1 yr) in response to brachial artery infusion of ACh or BK in the absence and presence of inhibitors of NO synthase [NOS; with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA)] and cyclooxygenase (COX; with ketorolac). Furthermore, we tested the idea that the NOS + COX-independent dilation (in the presence of L-NMMA + ketorolac, presumably EDHF) could be inhibited by exogenous NO administration, as reported in animal studies. FBF increased approximately 10-fold in the ACh control; L-NMMA reduced baseline FBF and ACh dilation, whereas addition of ketorolac had no further effect. Ketorolac alone did not alter ACh dilation, but addition of L-NMMA reduced ACh dilation significantly. For BK infusion, FBF increased approximately 10-fold in the control condition; L-NMMA tended to reduce BK dilation (P < 0.1), and addition of ketorolac significantly reduced BK dilation. Similar to ACh, ketorolac alone did not alter BK dilation, but addition of L-NMMA reduced BK dilation. To test the idea that NO can inhibit the NOS + COX-independent portion of dilation, we infused a dose of sodium nitroprusside (NO-clamp technique) during ACh or BK that restored the reduction in baseline blood flow due to L-NMMA. Regardless of treatment order, the NO clamp restored baseline FBF but did not reduce the NOS + COX-independent dilation to ACh or BK. We conclude that the contribution of NO and PGs differs between ACh and BK, with ACh being more dependent on NO and BK being mostly dependent on a NOS + COX-independent mechanism (EDHF) in healthy young adults. The NOS + COX-independent dilation does not appear sensitive to feedback inhibition from NO in the human forearm.