Maturation promoting factor destabilization mediates human chorionic gonadotropin induced meiotic resumption in rat oocytes

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) mimics the action of luteinizing hormone (LH) and triggers meiotic maturation and ovulation in mammals. The mechanism by which hCG triggers meiotic resumption in mammalian oocytes remains poorly understood. We aimed to find out the impact of hCG surge on morphological changes, adenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), guanosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), cell division cycle 25B (Cdc25B), Wee1, early mitotic inhibitor 2 (Emi2), anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), meiotic arrest deficient protein 2 (MAD2), phosphorylation status of cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1), its activity and cyclin B1 expression levels during meiotic resumption from diplotene as well as metaphase‐II (M‐II) arrest in cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). Our data suggest that hCG surge increased cyclic nucleotides level in encircling granulosa cells but decreased their level in oocyte. The reduced intraoocyte cyclic nucleotides level is associated with the decrease of Cdc25B, Thr161 phosphorylated Cdk1 and Emi2 expression levels. On the other hand, hCG surge increased Wee1, Thr14/Tyr15 phosphorylated Cdk1, APC/C as well as MAD2 expression levels. The elevated APC/C activity reduced cyclin B1 level. The changes in phosphorylation status of Cdk1 and reduced cyclin B1 level might have resulted in maturation promoting factor (MPF) destabilization. The destabilized MPF finally triggered resumption of meiosis from diplotene as well as M‐II arrest in rat oocytes.     

Reduction of nitric oxide level leads to spontaneous resumption of meiosis in diplotene-arrested rat oocytes cultured in?vitro

The present study was aimed to investigate whether a decrease of nitric oxide (NO) level is beneficial for sponateous resumptiom of meiosis in diplotene-arrested oocytes cultured in vitro. For this purpose, diplotene-arrested oocytes were collected from ovary of immature female rats after a single subcutaneous injection of 20 IU pregnant mare’s serum gonadotropins (PMSG) for 48 h. In vitro effects of S-nitroso-l-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP; an NO donor) and aminoguanidine (AG; an inducible NOS [iNOS] inhibitor), intracellular NO, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), Cdc25B, Thr-14/Tyr-15 and Thr-161 phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase-1 (CDK1), and cyclin B1 levels were analyzed. The SNAP inhibited spontaneous meiotic resumption form diplotene arrest in a concentration-dependent manner, while AG-induced meiotic resumption form diplotene in 0.1 mmol/L 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-treated oocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. The intracellular NO as well as cGMP levels were decreased significantly during spontaneous meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest. The reduction of Cdc25B expression level was associated with the accumulation of Thr-14/Tyr-15 phosphorylated CDK1 level. However, Thr-161 phosphorylated CDK1 as well as cyclin B1 levels were reduced significantly during meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest. Taken together, these data suggest that the inhibition of iNOS expression leads to a decrease of NO and cGMP levels thereby decreasing Cdc25B level. The reduced CDC25 B level leads to accumulation of Thr-14/Tyr-15 phosphorylated CDK1 level. As a result, Thr-161 phosphorylated CDK1 as well as cyclin B1 levels are decreased leading to maturation-promoting factor (MPF) inactivation. The inactive MPF finally induced meiotic resumption from diplotene stage in rat oocytes cultured in vitro.     

Meiotic cell cycle arrest in mammalian oocytes

Meiotic cell cycle in mammalian oocytes is a dynamic process that involves several stop/go channels. The cell cycle arrest in oocyte occurs at various stages such as diplotene, metaphase‐I (M‐I), metaphase‐II (M‐II), and so called metaphase‐like arrest (M‐III). Leutinizing hormone surge induces meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest in follicular microenvironment by overriding several factors responsible for the maintenance of meiotic arrest. The inhibitory factors are synthesized in oocyte or in the associated follicular somatic cells and transferred to the oocyte. The major factors include hypoxanthine, cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′‐monophosphate, cyclic guanosine 3′, 5′‐monophosphate, reactive oxygen species, protein kinase A, and protein kinase C. In the presence of active protein kinases, epidermal‐like growth factors are produced that activate mitogen‐activated protein kinase in cumulus granulosa cells. The maturation promoting factor, cytostatic factors, and spindle assembly checkpoint proteins are also involved in that maintenance of arrest at various stages of meiotic cell cycle in mammalian oocytes. In this review, we briefly summarize the role of these factors in the maintenance of meiotic cell cycle arrest in mammalian oocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 223:592–600, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

H2O2-induced Leaf Cell Death and the Crosstalk of Reactive Nitric/Oxygen Species([F])

In plants, the chloroplast is the main reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing site under high light stress. Catalase (CAT), which decomposes hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), is one of the controlling enzymes that maintains leaf redox homeostasis. The catalase mutants with reduced leaf catalase activity from different plant species exhibit an H₂O₂‐induced leaf cell death phenotype. This phenotype was differently affected by light intensity or photoperiod, which may be caused by plant species, leaf redox status or growth conditions. In the rice CAT mutant nitric oxide excess 1 (noe1), higher H₂O₂ levels induced the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and higher S‐nitrosothiol (SNO) levels, suggesting that NO acts as an important endogenous mediator in H₂O₂‐induced leaf cell death. As a free radical, NO could also react with other intracellular and extracellular targets and form a series of related molecules, collectively called reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Recent studies have revealed that both RNS and ROS are important partners in plant leaf cell death. Here, we summarize the recent progress on H₂O₂‐induced leaf cell death and the crosstalk of RNS and ROS signals in the plant hypersensitive response (HR), leaf senescence, and other forms of leaf cell death triggered by diverse environmental conditions. [ Chengcai Chu (Corresponding author)]     

In Central Obesity,Weight Loss Restores Platelet Sensitivity to Nitric Oxide and Prostacyclin

Central obesity shows impaired platelet responses to the antiaggregating effects of nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin, and their effectors—guanosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and adenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). The influence of weight loss on these alterations is not known. To evaluate whether a diet‐induced body‐weight reduction restores platelet sensitivity to the physiological antiaggregating agents and reduces platelet activation in subjects affected by central obesity, we studied 20 centrally obese subjects before and after a 6‐month diet intervention aiming at reducing body weight by 10%, by measuring (i) insulin sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA_IR)); (ii) plasma lipids; (iii) circulating markers of inflammation of adipose tissue and endothelial dysfunction, and of platelet activation (i.e., soluble CD‐40 ligand (sCD‐40L) and soluble P‐selectin (sP‐selectin)); (iv) ability of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the prostacyclin analog Iloprost and the cyclic nucleotide analogs 8‐bromoguanosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (8‐Br‐cGMP) and 8‐bromoadenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (8‐Br‐cAMP) to reduce platelet aggregation in response to adenosine‐5‐diphosphate (ADP); and (v) ability of SNP and Iloprost to increase cGMP and cAMP. The 10 subjects who reached the body‐weight target showed significant reductions of insulin resistance, adipose tissue, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet activation, and a significant increase of the ability of SNP, Iloprost, 8‐Br‐cGMP, and 8‐Br‐cAMP to reduce ADP‐induced platelet aggregation and of the ability of SNP and Iloprost to increase cyclic nucleotide concentrations. No change was observed in the 10 subjects who did not reach the body‐weight target. Changes of platelet function correlated with changes of HOMA_IR. Thus, in central obesity, diet‐induced weight loss reduces platelet activation and restores the sensitivity to the physiological antiaggregating agents, with a correlation with improvements in insulin sensitivity.     

Polyphenols suppress hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress in human bone‐marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are considered a highly promising candidate cell type for cell‐based tissue engineering and regeneration because of their self‐renewal and multi‐lineage differentiation characteristics. Increased levels of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) are associated with tissue injury and inflammation, impact a number of cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, and have been linked to cellular senescence in MSCs, potentially compromising their activities. Naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds (polyphenols), epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), and curcumin, block ROS/RNS and are potent inflammation‐modulating agents. However, their potential protective effects against oxidative stress in hMSCs have not been examined. In this study, we carried out a systematic analysis of the effects of polyphenols on hMSCs in their response to oxidative stress in the form of treatment with H₂O₂ and S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), respectively. Parameters measured included colony forming activity, apoptosis, and the levels of antioxidant enzymes and free reactive species. We found that polyphenols reversed H₂O₂‐induced loss of colony forming activity in hMSCs. In a dose‐dependent manner, polyphenols inhibited increased levels of ROS and NO, produced by H₂O₂ or SNAP, respectively, in MSCs. Notably, polyphenols rapidly and almost completely blocked H₂O₂‐induced ROS in the absence of significant direct effect on H₂O₂ itself. Polyphenols also protected the antioxidant enzymes and reduced apoptotic cell death caused by H₂O₂ exposure. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that EGCG and curcumin are capable of suppressing inducible oxidative stress in hMSCs, and suggest a possible new approach to maintain MSC viability and potency for clinical application. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1163–1173, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Cyclic adenosine 5′‐diphosphoribose (cADPR) cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate positively function in Ca2+ elevation in methyl jasmonate‐induced stomatal closure,cADPR is required for methyl jasmonate‐induced ROS accumulation NO production in guard cells

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) signalling shares several signal components with abscisic acid (ABA) signalling in guard cells. Cyclic adenosine 5′‐diphosphoribose (cADPR) and cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cGMP) are second messengers in ABA‐induced stomatal closure. In order to clarify involvement of cADPR and cGMP in MeJA‐induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana (Col‐0), we investigated effects of an inhibitor of cADPR synthesis, nicotinamide (NA), and an inhibitor of cGMP synthesis, LY83583 (LY, 6‐anilino‐5,8‐quinolinedione), on MeJA‐induced stomatal closure. Treatment with NA and LY inhibited MeJA‐induced stomatal closure. NA inhibited MeJA‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and nitric oxide (NO) production in guard cells. NA and LY suppressed transient elevations elicited by MeJA in cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_cyt) in guard cells. These results suggest that cADPR and cGMP positively function in [Ca²⁺]_cyt elevation in MeJA‐induced stomatal closure, are signalling components shared with ABA‐induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis, and that cADPR is required for MeJA‐induced ROS accumulation and NO production in Arabidopsis guard cells.     

Nitric oxide and downstream second messenger cGMP and cAMP enhance adipogenesis in primary human preadipocytes

Background aimsObesity is correlated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Thus the induction of inflammation could be used to stimulate adipose tissue formation in tissue-engineering approaches. As nitric oxide (NO) is a key regulator of inflammation, we investigated the effect of NO and its downstream signaling molecule guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) as well as adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) on preadipocytes in vitro.MethodsPreadipocytes were isolated from human subcutaneous adipose tissue, cultured until confluence, and differentiated. The NO donor diethylenetriamine (DETA)/NO (30–150 μm) was added during proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, cGMP/cAMP analogs 8-bromoguanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP), 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-pCPT-cGMP) and 8-bromoadenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP), and the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin, specific guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) and adenylyl cyclase inhibitor 2′-5′-dideoxyadenosine (ddA), were applied. Proliferation and differentiation were evaluated.ResultsDETA/NO in combination with the standard differentiation procedure significantly enhanced maturation of precursor cells to adipocytes. Proliferation, in contrast, was inhibited in the presence of NO. The application of cGMP and cAMP, respectively, increased pre-adipocyte differentiation to an even higher extent than NO. Inhibitors of the underlying pathways caused a significant decrease in adipogenic conversion.ConclusionsOur results support the application of NO donors during transplantation of preadipocytes in a 3-dimensional setting to accelerate and optimize differentiation. The results suggest that, instead of the rather instable and reactive molecule NO, the application of cGMP and cAMP would be even more effective because these substances have a stronger adipogenic effect on preadipocytes and a longer half-life than NO. Also, by applying inhibitors of the underlying pathways, the induced inflammatory condition could be regulated to the desired level.     

Combined use of dbcAMP and IBMX minimizes the damage induced by a long‐term artificial meiotic arrest in mouse germinal vesicle oocytes

Phosphodiesterase (PDE)‐mediated reduction of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) activity can initiate germinal vesicle (GV) breakdown in mammalian oocytes. It is crucial to maintain oocytes at the GV stage for a long period to analyze meiotic resumption in vitro. Meiotic resumption can be reversibly inhibited in isolated oocytes by cAMP modulator forskolin, cAMP analog dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP), or PDE inhibitors, milrinone (Mil), Cilostazol (CLZ), and 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (IBMX). However, these chemicals negatively affect oocyte development and maturation when used independently. Here, we used ICR mice to develop a model that could maintain GV‐stage arrest with minimal toxic effects on subsequent oocyte and embryonic development. We identified optimal concentrations of forskolin, dbcAMP, Mil, CLZ, IBMX, and their combinations for inhibiting oocyte meiotic resumption. Adverse effects were assessed according to subsequent development potential, including meiotic resumption after washout, first polar body extrusion, early apoptosis, double‐strand DNA breaks, mitochondrial distribution, adenosine triphosphate levels, and embryonic development. Incubation with a combination of 50.0 μM dbcAMP and 10.0 μM IBMX efficiently inhibited meiotic resumption in GV‐stage oocytes, with low toxicity on subsequent oocyte maturation and embryonic development. This work proposes a novel method with reduced toxicity to effectively arrest and maintain mouse oocytes at the GV stage.     

Oxidative pathways in response to polyunsaturated aldehydes in the marine diatom Skeletonema marinoi (Bacillariophyceae)

Polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUA) have recently been shown to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and possibly reactive nitrogen species (RNS, e.g., peroxynitrite) in the diatom Skeletonema marinoi (S. marinoi), which produces high amounts of PUA. We now are attempting to acquire better understanding of which reactive molecular species are involved in the oxidative response of S. marinoi to PUA. We used flow cytometry, the dye dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR) as the main indicator of ROS (but which is also known to partially detect RNS), and different scavengers and inhibitors of both nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). Both the scavengers Tempol (for ROS) and uric acid (UA, for peroxynitrite) induced a lower DHR‐derived green fluorescence in S. marinoi cells exposed to the PUA, suggesting that both reactive species were produced. When PUA‐exposed S. marinoi cells were treated with the NO scavenger 2‐4‐carboxyphenyl‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide (cPTIO), an opposite response was observed, with an increase in DHR‐derived green fluorescence. A higher DHR‐derived green fluorescence was also observed in the presence of sodium tungstate (ST), an inhibitor of NO production via nitrate reductase. In addition, two different SOD inhibitors, 2‐methoxyestradiol (2ME) and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate trihydrate (DETC), had an effect, with DETC inducing the strongest inhibition after 20 min. These results indicate the involvement of O₂^? generation and SOD activity in H₂O₂ formation (with downstream ROS generation dependent from H₂O₂) in response to PUA exposure. This is relevant as it refines the biological impact of PUA and identifies the specific molecules involved in the response. It is speculated that in PUA‐exposed S. marinoi cells, beyond a certain threshold of PUA, the intracellular antioxidant system is no longer able to cope with the excess of ROS, thus resulting in the observed accumulation of both O₂^?? and H₂O₂. This might be particularly relevant for population dynamics at sea, during blooms, when cell lysis increases and PUA are released. It can be envisioned that in the final stages of blooms, higher local PUA concentrations accumulate, which in turn induces intracellular ROS generation that ultimately leads to cell death and bloom decay.     

The interaction between H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> and NO,Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, cGMP,and MAPKs during adventitious rooting in mung bean seedlings

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), an active oxygen species, is widely generated in many biological systems and mediates various physiological and biochemical processes in plants. In the present study, we present a signaling network involving H₂O₂, nitric oxide (NO), calcium (Ca²⁺), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade during adventitious rooting in mung bean seedlings. Both exogenous H₂O₂ and the NO donor sodium nitroprussiate were capable of promoting the formation and development of adventitious roots. H₂O₂ and NO signaling pathways were elicited in parallel in auxin-induced adventitious rooting. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ was required for adventitious rooting, and Ca²⁺ served as a downstream component of H₂O₂, as well as cGMP or MAPK, signaling cascades. cGMP and MAPK cascades function downstream of H₂O₂ signaling and depend on auxin responses in adventitious root signaling processes.     

Nobiletin protects human retinal pigment epithelial cells from hydrogen peroxide–induced oxidative damage

Nobiletin (3′,4′,5,6,7,8‐hexamethoxyflavone), a dietary polymethoxylated flavonoid found in Citrus fruits, has been reported to have antioxidant effect. However, the effect of nobiletin on human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the protective effect of nobiletin against H₂O₂‐induced cell death in RPE cells. Our results demonstrated that nobiletin significantly increased cell viability from oxidative stress. Nobiletin inhibited H₂O₂‐induced ROS production and caspase‐3/7 activity in ARPE‐19 cells. Furthermore, nobiletin significantly increased Akt phosphorylation in ARPE‐19 cells exposed to H₂O₂. Meanwhile, LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K/Akt, abolished the protective effect of nobiletin against H₂O₂‐induced decreased cell viability and increased caspase‐3/7 activity in ARPE‐19 cells. In summary, these data show that nobiletin protects RPE cells against oxidative stress through activation of the Akt‐signaling pathway. Thus, nobiletin should be an oxidant that attenuates the development of age‐related macular degeneration.     

Grape seed extract enhances eNOS expression and NO production through regulating calcium‐mediated AKT phosphorylation in H2O2‐treated endothelium

GSE (grape seed extract) has been shown to exhibit protective effects against cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis, although the underlying molecular mechanisms of action are unknown. Herein, we assessed the ability of GSE to enhance eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) expression and NO (nitric oxide) production in H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide)‐treated HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells). GSE enhanced eNOS expression and NO release in H₂O₂‐treated cells in a dose‐dependent manner. GSE inhibited intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) and reduced intracellular calcium in a dose‐dependent manner in H₂O₂‐treated cells, as shown by confocal microscopy. ROS was inhibited in cells pretreated with 5.0 μM GSE, 2.0 μM TG (thapsigargin) and 20.0 μM 2‐APB (2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate) instead of 0.25 μM extracellular calcium. In addition, GSE enhanced eNOS expression and reduced ROS production via increasing p‐AKT (AKT phosphorylation) with high extracellular calcium (13 mM). In conclusion, GSE protected against endothelial injury by up‐regulation of eNOS and NO expression via inhibiting InsP₃Rs (inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors)‐mediated intracellular excessive calcium release and by activating p‐AKT in endothelial cells.     

Peroxisomes sense and respond to environmental cues by regulating ROS and RNS signalling networks

Background Peroxisomes are highly dynamic, metabolically active organelles that used to be regarded as a sink for H₂O₂ generated in different organelles. However, peroxisomes are now considered to have a more complex function, containing different metabolic pathways, and they are an important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Over-accumulation of ROS and RNS can give rise oxidative and nitrosative stress, but when produced at low concentrations they can act as signalling molecules.Scope This review focuses on the production of ROS and RNS in peroxisomes and their regulation by antioxidants. ROS production is associated with metabolic pathways such as photorespiration and fatty acid β-oxidation, and disturbances in any of these processes can be perceived by the cell as an alarm that triggers defence responses. Genetic and pharmacological studies have shown that photorespiratory H₂O₂ can affect nuclear gene expression, regulating the response to pathogen infection and light intensity. Proteomic studies have shown that peroxisomal proteins are targets for oxidative modification, S-nitrosylation and nitration and have highlighted the importance of these modifications in regulating peroxisomal metabolism and signalling networks. The morphology, size, number and speed of movement of peroxisomes can also change in response to oxidative stress, meaning that an ROS/redox receptor is required. Information available on the production and detection of NO/RNS in peroxisomes is more limited. Peroxisomal homeostasis is critical for maintaining the cellular redox balance and is regulated by ROS, peroxisomal proteases and autophagic processes.Conclusions Peroxisomes play a key role in many aspects of plant development and acclimation to stress conditions. These organelles can sense ROS/redox changes in the cell and thus trigger rapid and specific responses to environmental cues involving changes in peroxisomal dynamics as well as ROS- and NO-dependent signalling networks, although the mechanisms involved have not yet been established. Peroxisomes can therefore be regarded as a highly important decision-making platform in the cell, where ROS and RNS play a determining role.     

Index

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) can induce cell damage by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in DNA damage and cell death. The aim of this study is to elucidate the protective effects of fisetin (3,7,3′,4′,-tetrahydroxy flavone) against H₂O₂-induced cell damage. Fisetin reduced the level of superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical in cell free system, and intracellular ROS generated by H₂O₂. Moreover, fisetin protected against H₂O₂-induced membrane lipid peroxidation, cellular DNA damage, and protein carbonylation, which are the primary cellular outcomes of H₂O₂ treatment. Furthermore, fisetin increased the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, which is decreased by H₂O₂. Conversely, a GSH inhibitor abolished the cytoprotective effect of fisetin against H₂O₂-induced cells damage. Taken together, our results suggest that fisetin protects against H₂O₂-induced cell damage by inhibiting ROS generation, thereby maintaining the protective role of the cellular GSH system.     

Signaling on the Stigma: Potential New Roles for ROS and NO in Plant Cell Signaling

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species, particularly NO, are key components of diverse signaling networks in animals and plants. We have recently shown that epidermal cells of stigmas from a range of different angiosperms accumulate relatively large amounts of ROS, principally H₂O₂, whereas pollen produces NO. Importantly, ROS/H₂O₂ levels appeared reduced in stigma cells supporting developing pollen grains compared to cells without pollen grains attached. To explore a possible link between pollen NO production and reduced levels of stigmatic ROS/H₂O₂, we supplied stigmas with NO and observed an overall reduction in levels of stigmatic ROS/H₂O₂. These new and unexpected data suggest a potential new signaling role for ROS/H₂O₂ and NO in pollen-stigma recognition processes.Key Words: stigma, pollen, reactive oxygen species, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, signaling, defense