Peroxynitrite inhibits enterocyte proliferation and modulates Src kinase activity in vitro
Overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) or its toxic metabolite, peroxynitrite (ONOO-), after endotoxemia promotes gut barrier failure, in part, by inducing enterocyte apoptosis. We hypothesized that ONOO-may also inhibit enterocyte proliferation by disrupting the Src tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, thereby blunting repair of the damaged mucosa. We examined the effect of ONOO-on enterocyte proliferation and Src kinase activity. Sprague-Dawley rats were challenged with LPS or saline, whereas intestinal epithelial cell line cells were treated with ONOO-or decomposed ONOO-in vitro. Enterocyte proliferation in vivo and in vitro was measured by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) or [3H]thymidine incorporation. Src kinase activity in cell lysates was determined at various times. LPS challenge in vivo and ONOO-treatment in vitro inhibited enterocyte proliferation. ONOO-treatment blunted the activity of Src and its downstream target, focal adhesion kinase, in a time-dependent manner. ONOO-blocked mitogen (FBS, EGF)-induced enterocyte proliferation and Src phosphorylation while increasing Src nitration. Thus ONOO-may promote gut barrier failure not only by inducing enterocyte apoptosis but also by disrupting signaling pathways involved in enterocyte proliferation.