scholarly journals Chronic diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia impairs eNOS regulation in mouse mesenteric arteries

2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (1) ◽  
pp. R59-R66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin C. Looft-Wilson ◽  
Blair S. Ashley ◽  
Janelle E. Billig ◽  
Madeline R. Wolfert ◽  
Lindsay A. Ambrecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Microvascular Disease ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Enos Mrna ◽  
B Vitamin ◽  
Post Transcriptional Regulation ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation by increasing reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing nitric oxide (NO·) bioavailability. It is unclear whether reduced expression or function of the enzyme that produces NO·, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), also contributes. It is also unclear whether resistance vessels that utilize both NO·and non-NO·vasodilatory mechanisms, undergo alteration of non-NO·mechanisms in this condition. We tested these hypotheses in male C57BL/6 mice with chronic HHcy induced by 6-wk high methionine/low-B vitamin feeding (Hcy: 89.2 ± 49.0 μM) compared with age-matched controls (Hcy: 6.6 ± 1.9 μM), using first-order mesenteric arteries. Dilation to ACh (10−9–10−4 M) was measured in isolated, cannulated, and pressurized (75 mmHg) arteries with and without N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) (10−4 M) and/or indomethacin (10−5 M) to test endothelium-dependent dilation and non-NO·-dependent dilation, respectively. The time course of dilation to ACh (10−4 M) was examined to compare the initial transient dilation due to non-NO·, non-prostacyclin mechanism and the sustained dilation due to NO·. These experiments indicated that endothelium-dependent dilation was attenuated ( P < 0.05) in HHcy arteries due to downregulation of only NO·-dependent dilation. Western blot analysis indicated significantly less ( P < 0.05) basal eNOS and phospho-S1179-eNOS/eNOS in mesenteric arteries from HHcy mice but no difference in phospho-T495-eNOS/eNOS. S1179 eNOS phosphorylation was also significantly less in these arteries when stimulated with ACh ex vivo or in situ. Real-time PCR indicated no difference in eNOS mRNA levels. In conclusion, chronic diet-induced HHcy in mice impairs eNOS protein expression and phosphorylation at S1179, coincident with impaired NO·-dependent dilation, which implicates dysfunction in eNOS post-transcriptional regulation in the impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation and microvascular disease that is common with HHcy.

Gene and protein expressions of nitric oxide synthases in ischemia-reperfused peripheral nerve of the rat

2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (3) ◽  
pp. C849-C856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Ning Qi ◽  
Zuo-Qin Yan ◽  
Peter G. Whang ◽  
Qi Zhou ◽  
Long-En Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Peripheral Nerve ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthases ◽  
Inos Mrna ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protein Expressions ◽  
Enos Mrna ◽  
Nos Isoforms ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

This study examined mRNA and protein expressions of neuronal (nNOS), inducible (iNOS), and endothelial nitric oxide synthases (eNOS) in peripheral nerve after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Sixty-six rats were divided into the ischemia only and I/R groups. One sciatic nerve of each animal was used as the experimental side and the opposite untreated nerve as the control. mRNA levels in the nerve were quantitatively measured by competitive PCR, and protein was determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that, after ischemia (2 h), both nNOS and eNOS protein expressions decreased. After I/R (2 h of ischemia followed by 3 h of reperfusion), expression of both nNOS and eNOS mRNA and protein decreased further. In contrast, iNOS mRNA significantly increased after ischemia and was further upregulated (14-fold) after I/R, while iNOS protein was not detected. The results reveal the dynamic expression of individual NOS isoforms during the course of I/R injury. An understanding of this modulation on a cellular and molecular level may lead to understanding the mechanisms of I/R injury and to methods of ameliorating peripheral nerve injury.

scholarly journals Phytoestrogenic Effects of Blackcurrant Anthocyanins Increased Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) Expression in Human Endothelial Cells and Ovariectomized Rats

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayo Horie ◽  
Naoki Nanashima ◽  
Hayato Maeda
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Human Endothelial Cells ◽  
Enos Expression ◽  
Ovx Rats ◽  
Enos Mrna ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived chemicals that are found in many foods and have estrogenic activity. We previously showed that blackcurrant extract (BCE) and anthocyanins have phytoestrogenic activity mediated via estrogen receptors (ERs), and anthocyanins may improve vascular function. BCE contains high levels of anthocyanins, but their health-promoting effects are unclear. This study examined the effects of BCE on the regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in human endothelial cells as key regulators in cardiovascular disease. The results showed that eNOS mRNA levels were significantly upregulated in BCE- or anthocyanin-treated human vascular endothelial cells but decreased in cells treated with fulvestrant, an ER antagonist. These results corresponded with NO levels, suggesting that BCE and anthocyanin may regulate NO synthesis via eNOS expression. Thus, the phytoestrogenic effects exerted by BCE via ERs influenced eNOS mRNA expression and NO synthesis. In vivo, we investigated whether anthocyanin-rich BCE upregulated eNOS protein expression in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, a widely used animal model of menopause. Our results showed that anthocyanin-rich BCE significantly upregulated eNOS mRNA levels and NO synthesis through phytoestrogenic activity and therefore promoted blood vessel health in OVX rats as a postmenopausal model.

Maintained upregulation of pulmonary eNOS gene and protein expression during recovery from chronic hypoxia

1999 ◽  
Vol 276 (2) ◽  
pp. H699-H708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas C. Resta ◽  
Louis G. Chicoine ◽  
John L. Omdahl ◽  
Benjimen R. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Enos Gene ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Enos Mrna ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
Arterial Dilation ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

We previously demonstrated augmented endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO)-dependent pulmonary arterial dilation and increased arterial endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels in chronic hypoxic (CH) and monocrotaline (nonhypoxic) models of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Therefore, we hypothesized that the long-term elevation of arterial eNOS levels associated with CH is related to pulmonary hypertension or some factor(s) associated with hypertension and not directly to hypoxia. To test this hypothesis, we examined responses to the EDNO-dependent dilator ionomycin in U-46619-constricted, isolated, saline-perfused lungs from control rats, CH (4 wk at 380 mmHg) rats, and rats previously exposed to CH but returned to normoxia for 4 days or 2 wk. Microvascular pressure was assessed by double-occlusion technique, allowing calculation of segmental resistances. In addition, vascular eNOS immunoreactivity was assessed by quantitative immunohistochemistry, and eNOS mRNA abundance was determined by RT-PCR assays. Our findings indicate that 4-day and 2-wk posthypoxic rats exhibit persistent pulmonary hypertension, likely due to maintained arterial remodeling and polycythemia associated with prior exposure to CH. Furthermore, arterial dilation to ionomycin was augmented in lungs from each experimental group compared with controls. Finally, arterial eNOS immunoreactivity and whole lung eNOS mRNA levels remained elevated in posthypoxic animals. These findings suggest that altered vascular mechanical forces or vascular remodeling contributes to enhanced EDNO-dependent arterial dilation and upregulation of arterial eNOS in various models of established pulmonary hypertension.

Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression

2006 ◽  
Vol 291 (5) ◽  
pp. C803-C816 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles D. Searles
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Posttranscriptional Regulation ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Enos Expression ◽  
Enos Mrna ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

The ability of the endothelium to produce nitric oxide is essential to maintenance of vascular homeostasis; disturbance of this ability is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of vascular disease. In vivo studies have demonstrated that expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is vital to endothelial function and have led to the understanding that eNOS expression is subject to modest but significant degrees of regulation. Subsequently, numerous physiological and pathophysiological stimuli have been identified that modulate eNOS expression via mechanisms that alter steady-state eNOS mRNA levels. These mechanisms involve changes in the rate of eNOS gene transcription (transcriptional regulation) and alteration of eNOS mRNA processing and stability (posttranscriptional regulation). In cultured endothelial cells, shear stress, transforming growth factor-β1, lysophosphatidylcholine, cell growth, oxidized linoleic acid, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, and hydrogen peroxide have been shown to increase eNOS expression. In contrast, tumor necrosis factor-α, hypoxia, lipopolysaccaride, thrombin, and oxidized LDL can decrease eNOS mRNA levels. For many of these stimuli, both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms contribute to regulation of eNOS expression. Recent studies have begun to further define signaling pathways responsible for changes in eNOS expression and have characterized cis- and trans-acting regulatory elements. In addition, a role has been identified for epigenetic control of eNOS mRNA levels. This review will discuss transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of eNOS with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms that have been identified for these processes.

Adrenalectomy alters regulation of blood pressure and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in sheep: modulation by estradiol

2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (1) ◽  
pp. R257-R266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Li ◽  
Charles E. Wood ◽  
Maureen Keller-Wood
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Uterine Artery ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Corticosteroid Withdrawal ◽  
Enos Mrna ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

Hypoadrenocorticism produces more severe hypotension during the peripartal period in pregnant ewes and women. We hypothesized that estradiol increases the severity of hypotension after withdrawal of corticosteroids and that this results from combined effects of adrenalectomy and estradiol to increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In study I, blood pressure and eNOS mRNA and protein in aorta, uterine, renal, and mesenteric arteries were measured in intact ewes or adrenalectomized ewes 18–20 h after cessation of infusion of cortisol and aldosterone; half of each group ewes were treated with estradiol. In study II, adrenalectomized ewes were similarly studied 22–28 h after withdrawal of corticosteroids. Estradiol treatment in both studies significantly increased eNOS mRNA and protein in uterine artery, whereas corticosteroid withdrawal decreased expression of eNOS mRNA and protein in uterine artery. In both studies, adrenalectomy and steroid withdrawal decreased mean arterial pressure. In study II, four of six adrenalectomized ewes not treated with estradiol showed dramatic phasic variations in blood pressure and heart rate with a period of ∼20 s, developing within 22–28 h after corticosteroid withdrawal. Although there was no effect of estradiol on blood pressure in study I, in study II, ewes treated with estradiol did not develop this pattern. Estradiol also slowed both the decline in plasma sodium and the rise in plasma potassium after corticosteroid withdrawal. These results disprove the hypothesis that estradiol increases the severity of hypotension during hypoadrenocorticism. However, the study reveals an important effect of corticosteroid withdrawal on blood pressure, consistent with corticosteroid modulation of baroreflex responsiveness.

Homocyst(e)ine impairs endocardial endothelial function

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (12) ◽  
pp. 950-957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suresh C Tyagi ◽  
Lane M Smiley ◽  
Vibhas S Mujumdar
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Methyl Ester ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Cardiac Contraction ◽  
Normal Male ◽  
Wistar Kyoto ◽  
Endocardial Endothelium ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

Homocyst(e)ine injured vascular endothelium and modulated endothelial-dependent vascular function. Endothelium plays an analogous role in both the vessel and the endocardium. Therefore, we hypothesized that homocyst(e)ine modulated endocardial endothelium (EE) dependent cardiac function. The ex vivo cardiac rings from normal male Wistar-Kyoto rats were prepared. The contractile responses of left and right ventricular rings were measured in an isometric myobath, using different concentrations of CaCl2. The response was higher in the left ventricle than right ventricle and was elevated in endocardium without endothelium. The half effective concentration (EC50) and maximum tension generated by homocyst(e)ine were 106 and 5-fold lower than endothelin (ET) and angiotensin II (AII), respectively. However, in endothelial-denuded endocardium, homocyst(e)ine response was significantly increased (p < 0.005, compared with intact endothelium) and equal to the response to ET and AII. To determine the physiological significance of ET, AII, homocyst(e)ine, and endothelial nitric oxide in EE function, cardiac rings were pretreated with AII (10-10 M) or ET (10-13 M) and then treated with homocyst(e)ine (10-8 M). Results suggested that at these concentrations AII, ET, or homocyst(e)ine alone had no effect on cardiac contraction. However, in the presence of 10-10 M AII or 10-13 M ET, the cardiac contraction to homocyst(e)ine (10-8 M) was significantly enhanced (p < 0.01, compared with without pretreatment) and further increased in the endocardium without endothelium. The pretreatment of cardiac ring with the inhibitor of nitric oxide, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), increased contractile response to homocyst(e)ine. These results suggested that homocyst(e)ine impaired EE-dependent cardiac function and acted synergistically with AII and ET in enhancing the cardiac contraction.Key words: endocardial remodeling, homocyst(e)ine, contraction, endothelin, angiotensin, endothelial-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), endothelial dysfunction, ex vivo cardiac function, heart failure.

scholarly journals (−)-Epicatechin induces calcium and translocation independent eNOS activation in arterial endothelial cells

2011 ◽  
Vol 300 (4) ◽  
pp. C880-C887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Israel Ramirez-Sanchez ◽  
Lisandro Maya ◽  
Guillermo Ceballos ◽  
Francisco Villarreal
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
No Production ◽  
Human Coronary Artery ◽  
Calmodulin Binding ◽  
Pathway Activation ◽  
Functional Relevance ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

The consumption of cacao-derived (i.e., cocoa) products provides beneficial cardiovascular effects in healthy subjects as well as individuals with endothelial dysfunction such as smokers, diabetics, and postmenopausal women. The vascular actions of cocoa are related to enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production. These actions can be reproduced by the administration of the cacao flavanol (−)-epicatechin (EPI). To further understand the mechanisms behind the vascular action of EPI, we investigated the effects of Ca2+ depletion on endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) activation/phosphorylation and translocation. Human coronary artery endothelial cells were treated with EPI or with bradykinin (BK), a well-known Ca2+-dependent eNOS activator. Results demonstrate that both EPI and BK induce increases in intracellular calcium and NO levels. However, under Ca2+-free conditions, EPI (but not BK) is still capable of inducing NO production through eNOS phosphorylation at serine 615, 633, and 1177. Interestingly, EPI-induced translocation of eNOS from the plasmalemma was abolished upon Ca2+ depletion. Thus, under Ca2+-free conditions, EPI can stimulate NO synthesis independent of calmodulin binding to eNOS and of its translocation into the cytoplasm. We also examined the effect of EPI on the NO/cGMP/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) pathway activation in isolated Ca2+-deprived canine mesenteric arteries. Results demonstrate that under these conditions, EPI induces the activation of this vasorelaxation-related pathway and that this effect is inhibited by pretreatment with nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, suggesting a functional relevance for this phenomenon.

scholarly journals Exacerbation of endothelial dysfunction during the progression of diabetes: role of oxidative stress

2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (6) ◽  
pp. R674-R681 ◽  
Author(s):  
An Huang ◽  
Yang-Ming Yang ◽  
Attila Feher ◽  
Zsolt Bagi ◽  
Gabor Kaley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Shear Stress ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Nadph Oxidase ◽  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Enos Phosphorylation ◽  
Oxidase Inhibition ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

To test the deterioration of endothelial function during the progression of diabetes, shear stress-induced dilation (SSID; 10, 20, and 40 dyn/cm2) was determined in isolated mesenteric arteries (80–120 μm in diameter) of 6-wk (6W), 3-mo (3M), and 9-mo (9M)-old male db/db mice and their wild-type (WT) controls. Nitric oxide (NO)-mediated SSID was comparable in 6W WT and db/db mice, but the dilation was significantly reduced in 3M db/db mice and declined further in 9M db/db mice. Vascular superoxide production was progressively increased in 3M and 9M db/db mice, associated with an increased expression of NADPH oxidase. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase significantly improved NO-mediated SSID in arteries of 3M, but not in 9M, db/db mice. Although endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression was comparable in all groups, a progressive reduction in shear stress-induced eNOS phosphorylation existed in vessels of 3M and 9M db/db mice. Moreover, inducible NOS (iNOS) that was not detected in WT, nor in 6W and 3M db/db mice, was expressed in vessels of 9M db/db mice. A significantly increased expression of nitrotyrosine in total protein and immunoprecipitated eNOS was also found in vessels of 9M db/db mice. Thus, impaired NO bioavailability plays an essential role in the endothelial dysfunction of diabetic mice, which becomes aggravated when endothelial nitrosative stress is further activated via perhaps, an additional iNOS-mediated pathway during the progression of diabetes.

Retinoic acid suppression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in porcine oocyte

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (8) ◽  
pp. 777-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masa-aki Hattori ◽  
Yukio Kato ◽  
Noboru Fujihara
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Hormonal Stimulation ◽  
Enos Mrna ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

The presence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has been found in porcine oocytes, but its mRNA and protein levels remain relatively constant during hormonal stimulation. The present study was designed to determine the effect of retinoic acid on eNOS regulation in porcine oocytes during follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs), prepared from small antral follicles of immature porcine ovaries, were cultured for 15 h and treated with FSH for an additional 48 h. eNOS mRNA and its protein were analyzed by reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Retinoic acid had an inhibitory effect on the level of oocyte eNOS mRNA in a dose-dependent manner if COCs were exposed to retinoic acid before FSH stimulation. The inhibition of FSH action was reflected in a decrease in expression of c-fos mRNA. eNOS protein also decreased to approximately 50% of the control after exposure to 10 μM retinoic acid. However, the ability of NO synthesis was abolished in the oocytes prepared from retinoic acid pretreated COCs. These results suggest that retinoic acid has a strong inhibitory action on eNOS mRNA level and NO synthesis in the porcine oocyte.Key words: oocyte, retinoic acid, NO synthesis, eNOS, RT–PCR.

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