Structural basis for dipeptide amide isoform-selective inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase

Three nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, eNOS, nNOS and iNOS, generate nitric oxide (NO) crucial to the cardiovascular, nervous and host defense systems, respectively. Development of isoform-selective NOS inhibitors is of considerable therapeutic importance. Crystal structures of nNOS-selective dipeptide inhibitors in complex with both nNOS and eNOS were solved and the inhibitors were found to adopt a curled conformation in nNOS but an extended conformation in eNOS. We hypothesized that a single-residue difference in the active site, Asp597 (nNOS) versus Asn368 (eNOS), is responsible for the favored binding in nNOS. In the D597N nNOS mutant crystal structure, a bound inhibitor switches to the extended conformation and its inhibition of nNOS decreases >200-fold. Therefore, a single-residue difference is responsible for more than two orders of magnitude selectivity in inhibition of nNOS over eNOS by L-N(omega)-nitroarginine-containing dipeptide inhibitors.     

Exploring the binding conformations of bulkier dipeptide amide inhibitors in constitutive nitric oxide synthases

A series of L-nitroarginine-based dipeptide inhibitors are highly selective for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) over the endothelial isoform (eNOS). Crystal structures of these dipeptides bound to both isoforms revealed two different conformations, curled in nNOS and extended in eNOS, corresponding to higher and lower binding affinity to the two isoforms, respectively. In previous studies we found that the primary reason for selectivity is that Asp597 in nNOS, which is Asn368 in eNOS, provides greater electrostatic stabilization in the inhibitor complex. While this is the case for smaller dipeptide inhibitors, electrostatic stabilization may no longer be the sole determinant for isoform selectivity with bulkier dipeptide inhibitors. Another residue farther away from the active site, Met336 in nNOS (Val106 in eNOS), is in contact with bulkier dipeptide inhibitors. Double mutants were made to exchange the D597/M336 pair in nNOS with N368/V106 in eNOS. Here we report crystal structures and inhibition constants for bulkier dipeptide inhibitors bound to nNOS and eNOS that illustrate the important role played by residues near the entry to the active site in isoform selective inhibition.     

Hydroxyethylene isosteres of selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important second messenger molecule for blood pressure homeostasis, as a neurotransmitter, and in the immune defense system. Excessive NO can lead to neurodegeneration and connective tissue damage. Three different isozymes of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase regulate NO production in endothelial (eNOS), neuronal (nNOS), and macrophage (iNOS) cells. Whereas creating a lower level of NO in some cells could be beneficial, it also could be detrimental to the protective effects that NO has on other cells. Therefore, it is essential that therapeutic NOS inhibitors be made that are subtype selective. Previously, we reported a series of nitroarginine-containing dipeptide amides as potent and selective nNOS inhibitors. Here we synthesize peptidomimetic hydroxyethylene isosteres of these dipeptide amides for potential increased bioavailability. None of the compounds is as potent or selective as the dipeptide amides, but they exhibit good inhibition and selectivity. When the terminal amino group was converted to a hydroxyl group, potency and selectivity greatly diminished, supporting the importance of the terminal amino group for binding.     

Nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) reductase domain models suggest a new control element in endothelial NOS that attenuates calmodulin-dependent activity

Inducible (iNOS) and constitutive (eNOS, nNOS) nitric-oxide synthases differ in their Ca2+-calmodulin (CaM) dependence. iNOS binds CaM irreversibly but eNOS and nNOS, which bind CaM reversibly, have inserts in their reductase domains that regulate electron transfer. These include the 43-45-amino acid autoinhibitory element (AI) that attenuates electron transfer in the absence of CaM, and the C-terminal 20-40-amino acid tail that attenuates electron transfer in a CaM-independent manner. We constructed models of the reductase domains of the three NOS isoforms to predict the structural basis for CaM-dependent regulation. We have identified and characterized a loop (CD2A) within the NOS connecting domain that is highly conserved by isoform and that, like the AI element, is within direct interaction distance of the CaM binding region. The eNOS CD2A loop (eCD2A) has the sequence 834KGSPGGPPPG843, and is truncated to 809ESGSY813 (iCD2A) in iNOS. The eCD2A contributes to the Ca2+ dependence of CaM-bound activity to a level similar to that of the AI element. The eCD2A plays an autoinhibitory role in the control of NO, and CaM-dependent and -independent reductase activity, but this autoinhibitory function is masked by the dominant AI element. Finally, the iCD2A is involved in determining the salt dependence of NO activity at a post-flavin reduction level. Electrostatic interactions between the CD2A loop and the CaM-binding region, and CaM itself, provide a structural means for the CD2A to mediate CaM regulation of intra-subunit electron transfer within the active NOS complex.     

Contributions of nitric oxide synthase isozymes to exhaled nitric oxide and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in rabbit lungs

We investigated the source(s) for exhaled nitric oxide (NO) in isolated, perfused rabbits lungs by using isozyme-specific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors and antibodies. Each inhibitor was studied under normoxia and hypoxia. Only nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a nonselective NOS inhibitor) reduced exhaled NO and increased hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV), in contrast to 1400W, an inhibitor of inducible NOS (iNOS), and 7-nitroindazole, an inhibitor of neuronal NOS (nNOS). Acetylcholine-mediated stimulation of vascular endothelial NOS (eNOS) increased exhaled NO and could only be inhibited by L-NAME. Selective inhibition of airway and alveolar epithelial NO production by nebulized L-NAME decreased exhaled NO and increased hypoxic pulmonary artery pressure. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated extensive staining for eNOS in the epithelia, vasculature, and lymphatic tissue. There was no staining for iNOS but moderate staining for nNOS in the ciliated cells of the epithelia, lymphoid tissue, and cartilage cells. Our findings show virtually all exhaled NO in the rabbit lung is produced by eNOS, which is present throughout the airways, alveoli, and vessels. Both vascular and epithelial-derived NO modulate HPV.     

Chimeras of nitric-oxide synthase types I and III establish fundamental correlates between heme reduction, heme-NO complex formation, and catalytic activity

Neuronal nitric-oxide synthase (nNOS or NOS I) and endothelial NOS (eNOS or NOS III) differ widely in their reductase and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis activities, electron transfer rates, and propensities to form a heme-NO complex during catalysis. We generated chimeras by swapping eNOS and nNOS oxygenase domains to understand the basis for these differences and to identify structural elements that determine their catalytic behaviors. Swapping oxygenase domains did not alter domain-specific catalytic functions (cytochrome c reduction or H(2)O(2)-supported N(omega)-hydroxy-l-arginine oxidation) but markedly affected steady-state NO synthesis and NADPH oxidation compared with native eNOS and nNOS. Stopped-flow analysis showed that reductase domains either maintained (nNOS) or slightly exceeded (eNOS) their native rates of heme reduction in each chimera. Heme reduction rates were found to correlate with the initial rates of NADPH oxidation and heme-NO complex formation, with the percentage of heme-NO complex attained during the steady state, and with NO synthesis activity. Oxygenase domain identity influenced these parameters to a lesser degree. We conclude: 1) Heme reduction rates in nNOS and eNOS are controlled primarily by their reductase domains and are almost independent of oxygenase domain identity. 2) Heme reduction rate is the dominant parameter controlling the kinetics and extent of heme-NO complex formation in both eNOS and nNOS, and thus it determines to what degree heme-NO complex formation influences their steady-state NO synthesis, whereas oxygenase domains provide minor but important influences. 3) General principles that relate heme reduction rate, heme-NO complex formation, and NO synthesis are not specific for nNOS but apply to eNOS as well.     

Zinc content of Escherichia coli-expressed constitutive isoforms of nitric-oxide synthase. Enzymatic activity and effect of pterin.

Recently, we obtained x-ray crystallographic data showing the presence of a ZnS4 center in the structure of Escherichia coli-expressed bovine endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) and rat neuronal nitric-oxide synthase (nNOS). The zinc atom is coordinated by two CXXXXC motifs, one motif being contributed by each NOS monomer (cysteine 326 through cysteine 331 in rat nNOS). Mutation of the nNOS cysteine 331 to alanine (C331A) results in the loss of NO. synthetic activity and also results in an inability to bind zinc efficiently. Although prolonged incubation of the C331A mutant of nNOS with high concentrations of L-arginine results in a catalytically active enzyme, zinc binding is not restored. In this study, we investigate the zinc stoichiometry in wild-type nNOS and eNOS, as well as in the C331A-mutated nNOS, using a chelation assay and electrothermal vaporization-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The data reveal an approximate 2:1 stoichiometry of heme to zinc in (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-L-biopterin-replete, wild-type nNOS and eNOS and show that the reactivated C331A mutant of nNOS has a limited ability to bind zinc. The present study substantiates that the zinc in NOS is structural rather than catalytic and is important for maintaining optimally functional, enzymatically active, constitutive NOSs.     

Nitric oxide-dependent penile erection in mice lacking neuronal nitric oxide synthase.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as a mediator of penile erection, because the neuronal isoform of NO synthase (NOS) is localized to the penile innervation and NOS inhibitors selectively block erections. NO can also be formed by two other NOS isoforms derived from distinct genes, inducible NOS (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS). To clarify the source of NO in penile function, we have examined mice with targeted deletion of the nNOS gene (nNOS- mice). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mating behavior, electrophysiologically induced penile erection, isolated erectile tissue isometric tension, and eNOS localization by immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed on nNOS- mice and wild-type controls. RESULTS: Both intact animal penile erections and isolated erectile tissue function are maintained in nNOS mice, in agreement with demonstrated normal sexual behaviors, but is stereospecifically blocked by the NOS inhibitor, L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME). eNOS is abundantly present in endothelium of penile vasculature and sinusoidal endothelium within the corpora cavemosa, with levels that are significantly higher in nNOS- mice than in wild-type controls. CONCLUSIONS: eNOS mediates NO-dependent penile erection in nNOS- animals and normal penile erection. These data clarify the role of nitric oxide in penile erection and may have implications for therapeutic agents with selective effects on NOS isoforms.     

Novel substrates for nitric oxide synthases

Enzymatic generation of nitric oxide (NO) by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) consists of two oxidation steps. The first step converts L-arginine to N(G)-hydroxy-L-arginine (NOHA), a key intermediate, and the second step converts NOHA to NO and L-citrulline. To fully probe the substrate specificity of the second enzymatic step, an extensive structural screening was carried out using a series of N-alkyl (and N-aryl) substituted-N'-hydroxyguanidines (1-14). Among the eleven N-alkyl-N'-hydroxyguanidines evaluated, N-n-propyl (2), N-iso-propyl (3), N-n-butyl (4), N-s-butyl (5), N-iso-butyl (6), N-pentyl (8) and N-iso-pentyl (9) derivatives were efficiently oxidized by the three isoenzymes of NOS (nNOS, iNOS and eNOS) to generate NO. N-Butyl-N'-hydroxyguanidine (4) was the best substrate for iNOS (K(m)=33 microM) and N-iso-propyl-N'-hydroxyguanidine (3) was the best substrate for nNOS (K(m)=56 microM). When the alkyl substituents were too small (such as ethyl 1) or too large (such as hexyl 10 and cyclohexyl 11), the activity decreased significantly. This suggests that the van der Waals interaction between the alkyl group and the hydrophobic cavity in the NOS active site contributes significantly to the relative reactivity of compounds 3-11. Moreover, five N-aryl-N'-hydroxyguanidines were found to be good substrates for iNOS, but not substrates for eNOS and nNOS. N-phenyl-N'-hydroxyguanidine was the best substrate among them (K(m)=243 microM). This work demonstrates that N-alkyl substituted hydroxyguanidine compounds are novel NOS substrates which 'short-circuit' the first oxidation step of NOS, and N-aryl substituted hydroxyguanidine compounds are isoform selective NOS substrate.     

Structural studies of constitutive nitric oxide synthases with diatomic ligands bound

Crystal structures are reported for the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)–arginine–CO ternary complex as well as the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) heme domain complexed with l-arginine and diatomic ligands, CO or NO, in the presence of the native cofactor, tetrahydrobiopterin, or its oxidized analogs, dihydrobiopterin and 4-aminobiopterin. The nature of the biopterin has no influence on the diatomic ligand binding. The binding geometries of diatomic ligands to nitric oxide synthase (NOS) follow the {MXY} ⁿ formalism developed from the inorganic diatomic–metal complexes. The structures reveal some subtle structural differences between eNOS and nNOS when CO is bound to the heme which correlate well with the differences in CO stretching frequencies observed by resonance Raman techniques. The detailed hydrogen-bonding geometries depicted in the active site of nNOS structures indicate that it is the ordered active-site water molecule rather than the substrate itself that would most likely serve as a direct proton donor to the diatomic ligands (CO, NO, as well as O₂) bound to the heme. This has important implications for the oxygen activation mechanism critical to NOS catalysis.     

Synthesis and evaluation of trans 3,4-cyclopropyl L-arginine analogues as isoform selective inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase

Four optically pure conformationally restricted L-arginine analogues syn- 1 and anti- 2 trans-3,4-cyclopropyl L-arginine, and syn- 3 and anti-trans-3,4-cyclopropyl N-(1-iminoethyl) L-ornithine 4 were synthesized. These compounds were tested as potential inhibitors against the three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Compound 1 was determined to be a poor substrate of NOS, while compound 2 was determined to be a poor mixed type inhibitor and did not exhibit any isoform selectivity. Syn- 3 and anti-trans-3,4-cyclopropyl N-(1-iminoethyl) L-ornithine 4 were found to be competitive inhibitors of NOS. These compounds were time dependent inhibitors of inducible NOS (iNOS), but not of neuronal NOS (nNOS) or endothelial NOS (eNOS). Compound 3 was 10- to 100-fold more potent an inhibitor than 4, exhibited a 5-fold increase in nNOS/iNOS and eNOS/iNOS selectivity over 4, and displayed tight binding characteristics against iNOS. These results indicate that the relative configuration of the cyclopropyl ring in the L-arginine analogues significantly affects their inhibitory potential and NOS isoform selectivity.     

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase is predominantly involved in angiotensin II modulation of renal vascular resistance and norepinephrine release

Nitric oxide (NO) is mainly generated by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) or neuronal NOS (nNOS). Recent studies indicate that angiotensin II generates NO release, which modulates renal vascular resistance and sympathetic neurotransmission. Experiments in wild-type [eNOS(+/+) and nNOS(+/+)], eNOS-deficient [eNOS(-/-)], and nNOS-deficient [nNOS(-/-)] mice were performed to determine which NOS isoform is involved. Isolated mice kidneys were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution. Endogenous norepinephrine release was measured by HPLC. Angiotensin II dose dependently increased renal vascular resistance in all mice species. EC(50) and maximal pressor responses to angiotensin II were greater in eNOS(-/-) than in nNOS(-/-) and smaller in wild-type mice. The nonselective NOS inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 0.3 mM) enhanced angiotensin II-induced pressor responses in nNOS(-/-) and wild-type mice but not in eNOS(-/-) mice. In nNOS(+/+) mice, 7-nitroindazole monosodium salt (7-NINA; 0.3 mM), a selective nNOS inhibitor, enhanced angiotensin II-induced pressor responses slightly. Angiotensin II-enhanced renal nerve stimulation induced norepinephrine release in all species. L-NAME (0.3 mM) reduced angiotensin II-mediated facilitation of norepinephrine release in nNOS(-/-) and wild-type mice but not in eNOS(-/-) mice. 7-NINA failed to modulate norepinephrine release in nNOS(+/+) mice. (4-Chlorophrnylthio)guanosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (0.1 nM) increased norepinephrine release. mRNA expression of eNOS, nNOS, and inducible NOS did not differ between mice strains. In conclusion, angiotensin II-mediated effects on renal vascular resistance and sympathetic neurotransmission are modulated by NO in mice. These effects are mediated by eNOS and nNOS, but NO derived from eNOS dominates. Only NO derived from eNOS seems to modulate angiotensin II-mediated renal norepinephrine release.     

Structural basis for the specificity of the nitric-oxide synthase inhibitors W1400 and Nomega-propyl-L-Arg for the inducible and neuronal isoforms

The high level of amino acid conservation and structural similarity in the immediate vicinity of the substrate binding sites of the oxygenase domains of the nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms (eNOSoxy, iNOSoxy, and nNOSoxy) make the interpretation of the structural basis of inhibitor isoform specificity a challenge and provide few clues for the design of new selective compounds. Crystal structures of iNOSoxy and nNOSoxy complexed with the inhibitors W1400 and Nomega-propyl-l-arginine provide a rationale for their isoform specificity. It involves differences outside the immediate active site as well as a conformational flexibility in the active site that allows the adoption of distinct conformations in response to interactions with the inhibitors. This flexibility is determined by isoform-specific residues outside the active site.     

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.     

Mapping the active site polarity in structures of endothelial nitric oxide synthase heme domain complexed with isothioureas

Analyzing the active site topology and plasticity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and understanding enzyme-drug interactions are crucial for the development of potent, isoform-selective NOS inhibitors. A small hydrophobic pocket in the active site is identified in the bovine eNOS heme domain structures complexed with potent isothiourea inhibitors: seleno analogue of S-ethyl-isothiourea, S-isopropyl-isothiourea, and 2-aminothiazoline, respectively. These structures reveal the importance of nonpolar van der Waals contacts in addition to the well-known hydrogen bonding interactions between inhibitor and enzyme. The scaffold of a potent NOS inhibitor should be capable of donating hydrogen bonds to as well as making nonpolar contacts with amino acids in the NOS active site.     

The novel binding mode of N-alkyl-N'-hydroxyguanidine to neuronal nitric oxide synthase provides mechanistic insights into NO biosynthesis

A series of N-alkyl-N'-hydroxyguanidine compounds have recently been characterized as non-amino acid substrates for all three nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms which mimic NO formation from N(omega)-hydroxy-L-arginine. Crystal structures of the nNOS heme domain complexed with either N-isopropyl-N'-hydroxyguanidine or N-butyl-N'-hydroxyguanidine reveal two different binding modes in the substrate binding pocket. The binding mode of the latter is consistent with that observed for the substrate N(omega)-hydroxy-L-arginine bound in the nNOS active site. However, the former binds to nNOS in an unexpected fashion, thus providing new insights into the mechanism on how the hydroxyguanidine moiety leads to NO formation. Structural features of substrate binding support the view that the OH-substituted guanidine nitrogen, instead of the hydroxyl oxygen, is the source of hydrogen supplied to the active ferric-superoxy species for the second step of the NOS catalytic reaction.     

Modulation by NO of acetylcholine release in the ileum of wild-type and NOS gene knockout mice

Nitric oxide (NO) inhibits the release of acetylcholine and cholinergic contractions in the small intestine of several species, but no information is available about the mouse ileum. This study examines the effects of NO on the electrically evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine and smooth muscle contraction in myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparations of wild-type mice and of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) knockout mice. The NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) and the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) concentration dependently increased the evoked [3H]acetylcholine release and cholinergic contractions in preparations from wild-type mice and from eNOS knockout mice. Effects of L-NNA were specifically antagonized by L-arginine. In contrast, L-NNA and ODQ did not modify the release and contractions in preparations from nNOS knockout mice. The NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine inhibited the electrically evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine and longitudinal muscle contractions in a quantitatively similar manner in wild-type preparations as well as in nNOS and eNOS knockout preparations. We conclude that endogenous NO released by electrical field stimulation tonically inhibits the release of acetylcholine. Furthermore, data suggest that nNOS and not eNOS is the enzymatic source of NO-mediating inhibition of cholinergic neurotransmission in mouse ileum.     

Neuronal and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthases in the Paraventricular Nucleus Modulate Sympathetic Overdrive in Insulin-Resistant Rats

A central mechanism participates in sympathetic overdrive during insulin resistance (IR). Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and nitric oxide (NO) modulate sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), which influences the autonomic regulation of cardiovascular responses. The aim of this study was to explore whether the NO system in the PVN is involved in the modulation of SNA in fructose-induced IR rats. Control rats received ordinary drinking water, whereas IR rats received 12.5% fructose-containing drinking water for 12 wks to induce IR. Basal SNA was assessed based on the changes in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in response to chemicals administered to the PVN. We found an increased plasma norepinephrine level but significantly reduced NO content and neuronal NOS (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) protein expression levels in the PVN of IR rats compared to Control rats. No difference in inducible NOS (iNOS) protein expression was observed between the two groups. In anesthetized rats, the microinjection of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, or Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a non-selective inhibitor of NOS, into the PVN significantly decreased and increased basal SNA, respectively, in both normal and IR rats, but these responses to SNP and L-NAME in IR rats were smaller than those in normal rats. The administration of selective inhibitors of nNOS or eNOS, but not iNOS, to the PVN significantly increased basal SNA in both groups, but these responses were also smaller in IR rats. Moreover, IR rats exhibited reduced nNOS and eNOS activity in the PVN. In conclusion, these data indicate that the decreased protein expression and activity levels of nNOS and eNOS in the PVN lead to a reduction in the NO content in the PVN, thereby contributing to a subsequent enhancement in sympathoexcitation during IR.