Role of intramitochondrial nitric oxide in rat heart and kidney during hypertension

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important reactive molecule in many organisms. A mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase has been described; however, the role of NO in this organelle is not yet fully clear. We tested the effect of intramitochondrial NO on various functions from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and their normotensive genetic control, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. While the stimulation of intramitochondrial NOS increased calcium- and phosphate-induced permeability transition pore opening, its inhibition partially prevented it, without affecting membrane potential. Matrix free calcium and the pH decreased with NOS inhibition. Basal NO] was lower in SHR than in WKY. Our data suggest that intramitochondrial NO plays an important role in mitochondrial regulation during hypertension.