Telmisartan Activates Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase via Ser1177 Phosphorylation in Vascular Endothelial Cells

Because endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has anti-inflammatory and anti-arteriosclerotic functions, it has been recognized as one of the key molecules essential for the homeostatic control of blood vessels other than relaxation of vascular tone. Here, we examined whether telmisartan modulates eNOS function through its pleiotropic effect. Administration of telmisartan to mice significantly increased the phosphorylation level of eNOS (Ser1177) in the aortic endothelium, but administration of valsartan had no effect. Similarly, telmisartan treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (Thr172) and eNOS and the concentration of intracellular guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). Furthermore, pretreatment with a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor suppressed the increased phosphorylation level of eNOS and intracellular cGMP concentration. These data show that telmisartan increases eNOS activity through Ser1177 phosphorylation in vascular endothelial cells mainly via p38 MAPK signaling.     

Cyclosporin-A Inhibits Constitutive Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity and Neuronal and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expressions after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI). NO is produced by three types of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes: The constitutive Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent neuronal NOS (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) isoforms, and the inducible calcium-independent isoform (iNOS). During the early stages of SCI, nNOS and eNOS produce significant amounts of NO, therefore, the regulation of their activity and expression may participate in the damage after SCI. In the present study, we used Cyclosporin-A (CsA) to further substantiate the role of Ca-dependent NOS in neural responses associated to SCI. Female Wistar rats were subjected to SCI by contusion, and killed 4 h after lesion. Results showed an increase in the activity of constitutive NOS (cNOS) after lesion, inhibited by CsA (2.5 mg/kg i.p.). Western blot assays showed an increased expression of both nNOS and eNOS after trauma, also antagonized by CsA administration.     

Substrate Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthase in Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells in Culture

The effects of arginine on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and NO production were studied in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC). Incubation of PAEC with 0–100 μM arginine increased NO production, detected as nitrite in the culture medium, in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, incubation with concentrations of arginine in excess of 100 μM resulted in a reversible dose-dependent inhibition of NO production, even though intracellular arginine content increased in these cells. The NOS enzyme kinetics were studied in a total membrane preparation and in purified NOS protein and revealed that theK_mof arginine as a substrate for NOS is 3–5 μM, theV_maxoccurred at 100 μM arginine, and substrate inhibition occurred at >100 μM arginine. Oxyhemoglobin, carboxy-PTIO, catalase, SOD, citrulline, hydroxyarginine, and -arginine did not change NOS kinetics. These results indicate that substrate inhibition of eNOS exists in porcine PAEC in vitro.     

内含子源性microRNA对内皮型一氧化氮合酶表达及血管内皮细胞增殖的作用

前期工作表明,内皮型一氧化氮合酶(endothelial nitric oxide synthase,eNOS)第4内含子中的27碱基 (nucleotide,nt)重复序列是27-nt microRNA的来源,并对eNOS具有重要的调节作用．为进一步探讨该内含子源性27-nt microRNA参与调节eNOS表达的分子机制及其在内皮细胞增殖中的可能作用,通过构建27-nt microRNA高表达质粒,用脂质体将该质粒转染人脐静脉内皮细胞(human umbilical vein endothelial cells,HUVEC),Western blot和RT-PCR检测该细胞系中eNOS蛋白和mRNA表达情况以及胞核转录因子的表达改变,并观察HUVEC增殖的变化情况．结果发现：27-nt microRNA 高表达能降低eNOSmRNA的水平和蛋白质表达;同时对转录因子Sp1、Ap1的蛋白质表达也产生了不同程度的抑制作用;转染后细胞的生长速度比未转染的细胞明显减慢,尤其转染了27-nt microRNA的双倍长度突变体(pEGP-mut-54nt-mi)质粒的HUVEC,其生长倍增时间比正常对照组明显延长达49.4%．结果表明,27-nt microRNA明显抑制eNOS蛋白及其mRNA表达,同时 HUVEC增殖受到明显抑制,转录因子Sp1 和Ap1 在27-nt microRNA对eNOS的表达调节中起重要作用．实验提示,内含子源性microRNA与转录因子共同参与对内皮细胞增殖及其相关性基因的表达调节,可能是众多真核细胞中某些疾病相关性基因表达自我调节的重要机制之一．     

神经型一氧化氮合酶的活性调控

一氧化氮是重要的信使分子,在生物体内参与众多生理及病理过程。生物体内存在着复杂的一氧化氮合酶活性调控机制以精确调控一氧化氮的生成。在神经系统中,一氧化氮主要由神经型一氧化氮合酶催化生成。神经型一氧化氮合酶的活性主要受到翻译后水平上钙离子和钙调蛋白的调控,其调控方式包括二聚化、多位点的磷酸化和去磷酸化,以及主要由PDZ结构域介导的蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用。一氧化氮本身对其合酶的活性具有负反馈调控作用。近年来的研究提示,细胞质膜上的脂筏微区在神经性一氧化氮合酶的活性调控中也起到重要的调节作用。     

Induction of Nitric Oxide Synthase in Glial Cells

Primary astrocyte cultures, C6 glioma cells, and N18 neuroblastoma cells were assayed for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity with a bioassay of cyclic GMP production in RFL-6 fibroblasts. Treatment of astrocyte cultures for 16-18 h with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced NOS-like activity that was L-arginine and NADPH dependent, Ca2+ independent, and potentiated by superoxide dismutase. Induction was evident after 4 h, was dependent on the dose of LPS, and required protein synthesis. Treatment of astrocyte cultures with leucine methyl ester reduced microglial cell contamination from 7 to 1%, with a loss of 44% of NOS-like activity. C6 cells treated with LPS also showed Ca(2+)-independent and L-arginine-dependent NOS-like activity. N18 cells demonstrated constitutive Ca(2+)-dependent NOS-like activity that was not enhanced by LPS induction. These data indicate that NOS-like activity can be induced in microglia, astrocytes, and a related glioma cell line as it can in numerous other cell types, but not in neuron-like N18 cells.     

胰岛素对PC12细胞神经型一氧化氮合酶表达及活性的影响

为探讨胰岛素对神经细胞中神经型一氧化氮合酶（nNOS）的表达及活性的影响,应用流式细胞术、原位杂交、电子自旋共振等技术方法研究胰岛素对PC12细胞中神经型一氧化氮合酶的影响.胰岛素作用PC12细胞9 h 后,神经型一氧化氮合酶的免疫荧光强度显著升高,且呈浓度依赖关系,其最大效应为对照的(155±13)%(P＜0.01, n=3, t-test).加入胰岛素(16 mU/L, 6 h)也能够显著上调nNOS mRNA的表达,为对照的(182±13)%(P＜0.01, n=3, t-test).另外加入胰岛素(16 mU/L)作用9 h后,神经型一氧化氮合酶的活性也显著升高,为对照的(167±15)%(P＜0.01, n=4, t-test).由上述结果可知,胰岛素对PC12细胞的神经型一氧化氮合酶的表达及活性有上调作用.     

Anomalous Increase in Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity by Certain Nitric Oxide-Generating Compounds in Intact Neuronal Cells

Abstract: It has been shown that nitric oxide (NO) regulates NO synthase (NOS) activity through negative feedback in cytosolic enzyme preparations in various cell types. We compared the effects of the NO-generating compounds S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on NOS activity in intact neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells and in the cytosol obtained from the same cells. Enzyme activity was measured by the conversion of l -[³H]arginine into l -[³H]citrulline. At concentrations that elicit almost complete inhibition of NOS activity in cytosolic enzyme preparations of these cells, SIN-1 and SNP did not cause significant attenuation of enzyme activity measured at 45 min in intact cells. It is surprising that SIN-1 and SNP markedly stimulated l -[³H]citrulline formation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner when cells were incubated with the compounds for >1.5 h. Neither inhibitory nor stimulatory effects of SNAP on NOS were observed in intact N1E-115 cells. This is in contrast to the inhibitory effects of SNAP in cytosolic preparations of the enzyme. The increased NOS activity by SIN-1 or SNP in intact cells was dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca²⁺, suggesting that it might be due to increased Ca²⁺ influx. On the other hand, measurements of the activity of lactate dehydrogenase showed that there was no generalized increase in cell permeability in response to SIN-1 or SNP. There was no agreement in the rank order of potencies of these compounds in activating guanylate cyclase and in affecting NOS activity, both in broken-cell preparations and in intact cells. Thus, modulation of NOS activity by NO-releasing compounds is not dependent on cyclic GMP formation and might not be related in a simple fashion to NO generation. Alternatively, activation of guanylate cyclase and stimulation of NOS activity might require different redox species of NO. Our present findings might be of clinical relevance in relation to long-term use of NO-generating compounds as therapeutic agents.     

Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in the Molluscan CNS

Abstract: Putative nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was assayed in molluscan CNS through histochemical localization of NADPH-diaphorase and through measurement of l -arginine/ l -citrulline conversion. Several hundreds of NADPH-dependent diaphorase-positive neurons stained consistently darkly in the nervous system of the predatory opisthobranch Pleurobranchaea californica , whereas stained neurons were relatively sparse and/or light in the other opisthobranchs ( Philine, Aplysia, Tritonia, Flabellina, Cadlina, Armina, Coriphella , and Doriopsilla sp.) and cephalopods ( Sepia and Rossia sp.). l -Arginine/ l -citrulline conversion was β-NADPH dependent, insensitive to removal of Ca²⁺, inhibited by the calmodulin blocker trifluoperazine, and inhibited by the competitive NOS inhibitor N -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME) but not d -NAME. Inhibitors of arginase [ l -valine and (+)- S -2-amino-5-iodoacetamidopentanoic acid)] did not affect l -citrulline production in the CNS. NOS activity was largely associated with the particulate fraction and appeared to be a novel, constitutive Ca²⁺-independent isoform. Enzymatic conversion of l -arginine/ l -citrulline in Pleurobranchaea and Aplysia CNS was 4.0 and 9.8%, respectively, of that of rat cerebellum. l -Citrulline formation in gill and muscle of Pleurobranchaea was not significant. The localization of relatively high NOS activity in neuron somata in the CNS of Pleurobranchaea is markedly different from the other opisthobranchs, all of which are grazers. Potentially, this is related to the animal's opportunistic predatory lifestyle.     

Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity Endogenously Modulates NMDA Receptors

Abstract: We tested the possibility that endogenous nitric oxide synthase activity regulated NMDA receptors in primary cultured striatal neurons. We monitored NMDA-induced increase in intra-cellular Ca²⁺ levels with fura-2 ratio imaging, while nitric oxide synthase activity was either increased with l -arginihe (the natural substrate of nitric oxide synthase) or inhibited using nitro- l -arginine (a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase). We found that the NMDA receptor effect was slowly but strongly diminished after an l -arginine (1 m M , 15 min) treatment ( l -arginine preincubation reduced the 100 μM NMDA-induced maximal effect by 30–50%). The l -arginine blockade of NMDA receptors was long-lasting but could be partially reversed by hemoglobin (100 μM , 10 min), which binds nitric oxide. This was not observed when the neurons were treated with l -arginine together with nitro- l -arginine. Our data strongly suggest that physiological nitric oxide synthase activity could regulate NMDA receptors.     

The Effect of Cauda Equina Constriction on Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was studied in the gray and white matter regions of the spinal cord 2 and 5 days after multiple cauda equina constrictions of the central processes of L7-Co5 dorsal root ganglia neurons. The results show considerable differences in enzyme activity in the thoracic, upper lumbar, lower lumbar, and sacral segments. Increased NOS activity was observed at 2 days after multiple cauda equina constrictions in the dorsal, lateral, and ventral columns of the lower lumbar segments and in the ventral column of the upper lumbar segments. The values returned to control levels within 5 postconstriction days. In the lateral columns of thoracic segments taken 2 and 5 days after surgery, NOS activity was enhanced by 54% and 55% and in the upper lumbar segments by 130% and 163%, respectively. Multiple cauda equina constrictions performed surgically for 2 and 5 days caused a significant increase in NOS activity predominantly in the gray matter regions of thoracic segments. A quite different response was found 5 days postconstriction in the upper lumbar segments, where the enzyme activity was significantly decreased in the dorsal horn, intermediate zone, and ventral horn. No such extreme differences could be seen in the lower lumbar segments, where NOS activity was significantly enhanced only in the ventral horn. The data correspond with a higher number of NOS immunoreactive somata, quantitatively evaluated in the ventral horn of the lower lumbar segments at 5 days after multiple cauda equina constrictions. While the great region-dependent heterogeneity in NOS activity seen 2 and 5 days after multiple cauda equina constrictions is quite apparent and suggestive of an active role played by nitric oxide in neuroprotective or neurotoxic processes occurring in the gray and white matter of the spinal cord, the extent of damage or the degree of neuroprotection caused by nitric oxide in compartmentalized gray and white matter in this experimental paradigm would be possible only using longer postconstriction periods.     

洛伐他汀抑制Rho激酶信号通路增强人内皮一氧化氮合酶信使RNA稳定性

他汀类药物可上调内皮一氧化氮合酶（ENOS）的表达,并由甲羟戊酸（MVA）途径介导,但具体机制未完全阐明．本研究旨在探索洛伐他汀(LVT)上调ENOS表达的分子信号机制并明确同ENOS表达相关的顺式作用元件的定位．洛伐他汀通过减少细胞内固醇,如MVA和geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate （GGPP）,从而增加ENOS mRNA的稳定性．因GGPP是细胞内信号蛋白如Ras、Rho GTPase进行翻译后修饰和膜定位所必需的,因此很可能洛伐他汀的作用与细胞内信号途径有关．进一步的实验结果显示Rho激酶抑制剂 hydroxyfasudil和细胞松弛素D均可在转录后水平上调ENOS mRNA表达,表明Rho途径介导的细胞骨架状态在ENOS mRNA降解率的调控中起一定作用． 细胞转染实验证明调控ENOS mRNA 降解的顺式作用元件位于其mRNA序列上的3′未翻译区(3′UTR)和相邻的编码区．其中调控GGPP介导ENOS mRNA稳定性的顺式作用元件位于序列的3 751～4 606位点间;而hydroxyfasudil通过位于3 751～ 4 468位点间的顺式作用元件稳定ENOS mRNA;细胞松弛素D通过位于3 904～4 188位点间的元件稳定ENOS mRNA．洛伐他汀可能通过抑制Rho激酶途径稳定ENOS mRNA,此过程由位于mRNA序列上3′UTR及相邻编码区的多样顺式作用元件介导．另外,细胞骨架的空间构造也可影响ENOS mRNA的稳定性,此过程由位于其mRNA序列编码区的顺式作用元件介导．本研究为转录子稳定性调控机制的进一步研究提供了有力根据,或许可为心血管疾病的治疗提供新的分子靶点．     

Dual Role of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Oxidized LDL-Induced,p66Shc-Mediated Oxidative Stress in Cultured Human Endothelial Cells

Background

The aging gene p66^Shc, is an important mediator of oxidative stress-induced vascular dysfunction and disease. In cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC), p66^Shc deletion increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability via protein kinase B. However, the putative role of the NO pathway on p66^Shc activation remains unclear. This study was designed to elucidate the regulatory role of the eNOS/NO pathway on p66^Shc activation.

Methods and Results

Incubation of HAEC with oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) led to phosphorylation of p66^Shc at Ser-36, resulting in an enhanced production of superoxide anion (O₂ ^-). In the absence of oxLDL, inhibition of eNOS by small interfering RNA or L-NAME, induced p66^Shc phosphorylation, suggesting that basal NO production inhibits O₂ ^- production. oxLDL-induced, p66^Shc-mediated O₂- was prevented by eNOS inhibition, suggesting that when cells are stimulated with oxLDL eNOS is a source of reactive oxygen species. Endogenous or exogenous NO donors, prevented p66^Shc activation and reduced O_2- production. Treatment with tetrahydrobiopterin, an eNOS cofactor, restored eNOS uncoupling, prevented p66^Shc activation, and reduced O₂- generation. However, late treatment with tetrahydropterin did not yield the same result suggesting that eNOS uncoupling is the primary source of reactive oxygen species.

Conclusions

The present study reports that in primary cultured HAEC treated with oxLDL, p66^Shc-mediated oxidative stress is derived from eNOS uncoupling. This finding contributes novel information on the mechanisms of p66^Shc activation and its dual interaction with eNOS underscoring the importance eNOS uncoupling as a putative antioxidant therapeutical target in endothelial dysfunction as observed in cardiovascular disease.     

Fo Shou San,an Ancient Chinese Herbal Decoction,Protects Endothelial Function through Increasing Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity

Fo Shou San (FSS) is an ancient herbal decoction comprised of Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR; Chuanxiong) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR; Danggui) in a ratio of 2∶3. Previous studies indicate that FSS promotes blood circulation and dissipates blood stasis, thus which is being used widely to treat vascular diseases. Here, we aim to determine the cellular mechanism for the vascular benefit of FSS. The treatment of FSS reversed homocysteine-induced impairment of acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked endothelium-dependent relaxation in aortic rings, isolated from rats. Like radical oxygen species (ROS) scavenger tempol, FSS attenuated homocysteine-stimulated ROS generation in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and it also stimulated the production of nitric oxide (NO) as measured by fluorescence dye and biochemical assay. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of both Akt kinase and endothelial NO synthases (eNOS) were markedly increased by FSS treatment, which was abolished by an Akt inhibitor triciribine. Likewise, triciribine reversed FSS-induced NO production in HUVECs. Finally, FSS elevated intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in HUVECs, and the Ca²⁺ chelator BAPTA-AM inhibited the FSS-stimulated eNOS phosphorylation. The present results show that this ancient herbal decoction benefits endothelial function through increased activity of Akt kinase and eNOS; this effect is causally via a rise of intracellular Ca²⁺ and a reduction of ROS.     

Induction of Nitric Oxide Synthase in Rat C6 Glioma Cells

Abstract: We have examined the induction of nitric oxide syhthase (NOS) activity in the rat astrocyte-derived C6 glioma cell line. In contrast to the previous results with primary astrocyte cultures, incubation of C6 cells with bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 μg/ml for 24 h) did not stimulate NO₂ production. However, addition of either tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) or interferon-γ (IFN-γ), cytokines that by themselves had no effect on NOS activity, imparted LPS responsiveness onto these cells in a dose-dependent manner (EC₅₀ values of 39 ng/ml of TNF-α and 9.4 U/ml of IFN-γ), and the effect of TNF-α could be further potentiated (twofold) by the presence of interleukin-1β. The simultaneous presence of TNF-α and IFN-γ yielded a greater response than either cytokine alone; however, the respective EC₅₀ values were not affected. A cytoplasmic extract from induced C6 cells catalyzed the Ca²⁺-independent conversion of l -arginine to l - citrulline, with an apparent K _m of 51.2 n M , and this activity could be blocked by l -arginine analogues in the potency order amino > methyl > nitroarginine. Immunoblot analysis revealed an apparent molecular mass of 125 kDa for the NOS protein induced in C6 cells. These results indicate that the combination of LPS plus cytokines can induce NOS activity in C6 glioma cells with properties similar to those of the enzyme expressed in primary astrocyte cultures.     

Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Superoxide Mediate Hemodynamic Initiation of Intracranial Aneurysms

Background

Hemodynamic insults at arterial bifurcations are believed to play a critical role in initiating intracranial aneurysms. Recent studies in a rabbit model indicate that aneurysmal damage initiates under specific wall shear stress conditions when smooth muscle cells (SMCs) become pro-inflammatory and produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The mechanisms leading to SMC activation and MMP production during hemodynamic aneurysm initiation are unknown. The goal is to determine if nitric oxide and/or superoxide induce SMC changes, MMP production and aneurysmal remodeling following hemodynamic insult.

Methods

Bilateral common carotid artery ligation was performed on rabbits (n = 19, plus 5 sham operations) to induce aneurysmal damage at the basilar terminus. Ligated animals were treated with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor LNAME (n = 7) or the superoxide scavenger TEMPOL (n = 5) and compared to untreated animals (n = 7). Aneurysm development was assessed histologically 5 days after ligation. Changes in NOS isoforms, peroxynitrite, reactive oxygen species (ROS), MMP-2, MMP-9, and smooth muscle α-actin were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

LNAME attenuated ligation-induced IEL loss, media thinning and bulge formation. In untreated animals, immunofluorescence showed increased endothelial NOS (eNOS) after ligation, but no change in inducible or neuronal NOS. Furthermore, during aneurysm initiation ROS increased in the media, but not the intima, and there was no change in peroxynitrite. In LNAME-treated animals, ROS production did not change. Together, this suggests that eNOS is important for aneurysm initiation but not by producing superoxide. TEMPOL treatment reduced aneurysm development, indicating that the increased medial superoxide is also necessary for aneurysm initiation. LNAME and TEMPOL treatment in ligated animals restored α-actin and decreased MMPs, suggesting that eNOS and superoxide both lead to SMC de-differentiation and MMP production.

Conclusion

Aneurysm-inducing hemodynamics lead to increased eNOS and superoxide, which both affect SMC phenotype, increasing MMP production and aneurysmal damage.     

Histochemical Method for Detecting Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Cell Cultures

NADPH diaphorase histochemistry has been used extensively for detecting nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in various cell types including neuronal cell bodies, vascular endothelium, cells of the immune system and epithelial cells. The use of the diaphorase technique in cell cultures to study the induction of NOS has not been investigated. In this paper we report the use of diaphorase histochemistry as a good marker for the detection of NOS activity in cultured cells. This technique can be used in conjunction with other established techniques to determine the presence and activity of NOS in cultured cells.     

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 Activates ADP-ribosylation Factor 1 to Promote Endothelial Nitric-oxide Synthase Activation and Nitric Oxide Release from Endothelial Cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces angiogenesis and regulates endothelial function via production and release of nitric oxide (NO), an important signaling molecule. The molecular basis leading to NO production involves phosphatidylinositiol-3 kinase (PI3K), Akt, and endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) activation. In this study, we have examined whether small GTP-binding proteins of the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family act as molecular switches to regulate signaling cascades activated by VEGF in endothelial cells. Our results show that this growth factor can promote the rapid and transient activation of ARF1. In endothelial cells, this GTPase is present on dynamic plasma membrane ruffles. Inhibition of ARF1 expression, using RNA interference, markedly impaired VEGF-dependent eNOS phosphorylation and NO production by preventing the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling axis. Furthermore, our data indicate that phosphorylation of Tyr⁸⁰¹, on VEGF receptor 2, is essential for activating Src- and ARF1-dependent signaling events leading to NO release from endothelial cells. Lastly, this mediator is known to regulate a broad variety of endothelial cell functions. Depletion of ARF1 markedly inhibits VEGF-dependent increase of vascular permeability as well as capillary tubule formation, a process important for angiogenesis. Taken together, our data indicate that ARF1 is a novel modulator of VEGF-stimulated NO release and signaling in endothelial cells.