scholarly journals Human Nitric Oxide Synthase—Its Functions, Polymorphisms, and Inhibitors in the Context of Inflammation, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Magdalena Król ◽  
Marta Kepinska
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Free Radicals ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Intercellular Signaling ◽  
Nos Inhibitors ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Nos Isoforms

In various diseases, there is an increased production of the free radicals needed to carry out certain physiological processes but their excessive amounts can cause oxidative stress and cell damage. Enzymes play a major role in the transformations associated with free radicals. One of them is nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which catalyzes the formation of nitric oxide (NO). This enzyme exists in three forms (NOS1, NOS2, NOS3), each encoded by a different gene. The following work presents the most important information on the NOS isoforms and their role in the human body, including NO synthesis in various tissues and cells, intercellular signaling and activities supporting the immune system and regulating blood vessel functions. The role of NOS in pathological conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease is considered. Attention is also paid to the influence of the polymorphisms of these genes, encoding particular isoforms, on the development of these pathologies and the role of NOS inhibitors in the treatment of patients.

Selected Contribution: Differential role of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in fever of different etiologies: studies using Nosgene-deficient mice

2003 ◽  
Vol 94 (6) ◽  
pp. 2534-2544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wieslaw Kozak ◽  
Anna Kozak
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Corn Oil ◽  
Normal Male ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
And Control ◽  
Nos Isoforms ◽  
Deficient Mice

Male C57BL/6J mice deficient in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) genes (knockout) and control (wild-type) mice were implanted intra-abdominally with battery-operated miniature biotelemeters (model VMFH MiniMitter, Sunriver, OR) to monitor changes in body temperature. Intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 50 μg/kg) was used to trigger fever in response to systemic inflammation in mice. To induce a febrile response to localized inflammation, the mice were injected subcutaneously with pure turpentine oil (30 μl/animal) into the left hindlimb. Oral administration (gavage) of N G-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA) for 3 days (80 mg · kg−1 · day−1in corn oil) before injection of pyrogens was used to inhibit all three NOSs ( N G-monomethyl-d-arginine acetate salt and corn oil were used as control). In normal male C57BL/6J mice, l-NMMA inhibited the LPS-induced fever by ∼60%, whereas it augmented fever by ∼65% in mice injected with turpentine. Challenging the respective NOS knockout mice with LPS and with l-NMMA revealed that inducible NOS and neuronal NOS isoforms are responsible for the induction of fever to LPS, whereas endothelial NOS (eNOS) is not involved. In contrast, none of the NOS isoforms appeared to trigger fever to turpentine. Inhibition of eNOS, however, exacerbates fever in mice treated with l-NMMA and turpentine, indicating that eNOS participates in the antipyretic mechanism. These data support the hypothesis that nitric oxide is a regulator of fever. Its action differs, however, depending on the pyrogen used and the NOS isoform.

scholarly journals The Role of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase in Regulation of Cerebral Blood Flow in Normocapnia and Hypercapnia in Rats

1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 774-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiong Wang ◽  
Dale A. Pelligrino ◽  
Verna L. Baughman ◽  
Heidi M. Koenig ◽  
Ronald F. Albrecht
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Inhibitory Action ◽  
Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Muscarinic Agonist ◽  
Doppler Flowmetry ◽  
Nos Inhibitors ◽  
Oxide Synthase

The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, nitro-L-arginine, its methyl ester, and N-monomethyl-L-arginine, have been shown to attenuate resting CBF and hypercapnia-induced cerebrovasodilation. Those agents nonspecifically inhibit the endothelial and neuronal NOS (eNOS and nNOS). In the present study, we used a novel nNOS inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) to examine the role of nNOS in CBF during normocapnia and hypercapnia in fentanyl/N2O-anesthetized rats. CBF was monitored using laser-Doppler flowmetry. Administration of 7-NI (80 mg kg−1 i.p.) reduced cortical brain NOS activity by 57%, the resting CBF by 19–27%, and the CBF response to hypercapnia by 60%. The 60% reduction was similar in magnitude to the CBF reductions observed in previous studies in which nonspecific NOS inhibitors were used. In the present study, 7-NI did not increase the MABP. Furthermore, the CBF response to oxotremorine, a blood–brain barrier permeant muscarinic agonist that induces cerebrovasodilation via endothelium-derived NO, was unaffected by 7-NI. These results confirmed that 7-NI does not influence eNOS; they also indicated that the effects of 7-NI on the resting CBF and on the CBF response to hypercapnia in this study were solely related to its inhibitory action on nNOS. The results further suggest that the NO synthesized by the action of nNOS participates in regulation of basal CBF and is the major, if not the only, category of NO contributing to the hypercapnic CBF response.

Prelimbic neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibition exerts antidepressant-like effects independently of BDNF signalling cascades

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (03) ◽  
pp. 143-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitor Silva Pereira ◽  
Angélica C.D. Romano Suavinha ◽  
Gregers Wegener ◽  
Sâmia R.L. Joca
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Nmda Antagonists ◽  
Systemic Injection ◽  
Behavioural Effects ◽  
Nos Inhibitors ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Mtor Signalling

AbstractObjectivesNMDA antagonists and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors induce antidepressant-like effects and may represent treatment options for depression. The behavioural effects of NMDA antagonists seem to depend on Tyrosine kinase B receptor (TrkB) activation by BDNF and on mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, it is unknown whether similar mechanisms are involved in the behavioural effects of NOS inhibitors. Therefore, this work aimed at determining the role of TrkB and mTOR signalling in the prelimbic area of the ventral mPFC (vmPFC-PL) in the antidepressant-like effect of NOS inhibitors.MethodsPharmacological treatment with LY235959 or ketamine (NMDA antagonists), NPA or 7-NI (NOS inhibitors), BDNF, K252a (Trk antagonist) and rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) injected systemically or into vmPFC-PL followed by behavioural assessment.ResultsWe found that bilateral injection of BDNF into the vmPFC-PL induced an antidepressant-like effect, which was blocked by pretreatment with K252a and rapamycin. Microinjection of LY 235959 into the vmPFC-PL induced antidepressant-like effect that was suppressed by local rapamycin but not by K252a pretreatment. Microinjection of NPA induced an antidepressant-like effect insensitive to both K252a and rapamycin. Similarly, the antidepressant-like effects of a systemic injection of ketamine or 7-NI were not affected by blockade of mTOR or Trk receptors in the vmPFC-PL.ConclusionOur data support the hypothesis that NMDA blockade induces an antidepressant-like effect that requires mTOR but not Trk signalling into the vmPFC-PL. The antidepressant-like effect induced by local NOS inhibition is independent on both Trk and mTOR signalling in the vmPFC-PL.

Nitric oxide, ischaemia and brain inflammation

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1133-1137 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Murphy ◽  
C.L. Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Cerebral Ischaemia ◽  
Brain Inflammation ◽  
Experimental Stroke ◽  
Nitric Oxide Donors ◽  
Nos Inhibitors ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Inducible Nos

Cerebral ischaemia results in the activation of three isoforms of NOS (nitric oxide synthase) that contribute to the development of and recovery from stroke pathology. This review discusses, in particular, the role of the transcriptionally activated NOS-2 (inducible NOS) isoform and summarizes the outcomes of experimental stroke studies with regard to the therapeutic utility of nitric oxide donors and NOS inhibitors.

Temporal effect of alcohol consumption on reactivity of pial arterioles: role of oxygen radicals

2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (3) ◽  
pp. H992-H1001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Sun ◽  
William G. Mayhan
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Free Radicals ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Chronic Alcohol ◽  
Chronic Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Oxygen Derived Free Radicals ◽  
Pial Arterioles ◽  
Oxide Synthase

Chronic alcohol consumption reduces nitric oxide synthase-dependent responses of pial arterioles via mechanisms that remain uncertain. In addition, the temporal effects of alcohol on pial arterioles is unclear. Thus our goals were to examine the role of oxygen-derived free radicals in alcohol-induced impairment of cerebrovascular reactivity and the temporal effect of alcohol on reactivity of pial arterioles. Sprague-Dawley rats were pair-fed a liquid diet with or without alcohol for 2–3 wk, 2–3 mo, or 5–6 mo. We measured the in vivo diameter of pial arterioles in response to nitric oxide synthase-dependent dilators acetylcholine and ADP and the nitric oxide synthase-independent dilator nitroglycerin. In nonalcohol-fed rats, acetylcholine (1.0 and 10 μM) and ADP (10 and 100 μM) produced dose-related dilatation of pial arterioles. Whereas there was no difference in reactivity of arterioles to the agonists in rats fed the nonalcohol and alcohol diets for a period of 2–3 wk, there was a significant impairment in reactivity of arterioles to acetylcholine and ADP, but not nitroglycerin, in rats fed the alcohol diet for longer durations. We then found that treatment with superoxide dismutase did not alter baseline diameter of pial arterioles in nonalcohol-fed or alcohol-fed rats, but significantly improved impaired nitric oxide synthase-dependent dilatation of pial arterioles in alcohol-fed rats. Thus our findings suggest a temporal relationship in the effects of alcohol on reactivity of pial arterioles and that impaired nitric oxide synthase-dependent cerebral vasodilatation during chronic alcohol consumption may be related, in part, to enhanced release of oxygen-derived free radicals.

Expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in normal ventilatory and limb muscles

1997 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 348-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabah N. A. Hussain ◽  
Qasim El-Dwairi ◽  
Mohammed N. Abdul-Hussain ◽  
Dalia Sakkal
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Fiber Type ◽  
Nos Inhibitors ◽  
Limb Muscles ◽  
Fiber Type Distribution ◽  
Neuronal Nos ◽  
Weak Expression ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Nos Isoforms

Hussain, Sabah N. A., Qasim El-Dwairi, Mohammed N. Abdul-Hussain, and Dalia Sakkal. Expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in normal ventilatory and limb muscles. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(2): 348–353, 1997.—Nitric oxide (NO), an important messenger molecule with widespread actions, is synthesized by NO synthases (NOS). In this study, we investigated the correlation between fiber type and NOS activity among ventilatory and limb muscles of various species. We also assessed the presence of the three NOS isoforms in normal skeletal muscles and how various NOS inhibitors influence muscle NOS activity. NOS activity was detected in various muscles; however, NOS activity in rabbits and rats varied significantly among different muscles. Immunoblotting of muscle samples indicated the presence of both the neuronal NOS and the endothelial NOS isoforms but not the cytokine-inducible NOS isoform. However, these isoforms were expressed to different degrees in various muscles. Although the neuronal NOS isoform was detectable in the canine diaphragm, very weak expression was detected in rabbit, rat, and mouse diaphragms. The endothelial NOS isoform was detected in the rat and mouse diaphragms but not in the canine and rabbit diaphragms. We also found that N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, 7-nitroindazole, and S-methylisothiourea were stronger inhibitors of muscle NOS activity than was aminoguanidine. These results indicate the presence of different degrees of constitutive NOS expression in normal ventilatory and limb muscles of various species. Our data also indicate that muscle NOS activity is not determined by fiber type distribution but by other not yet identified factors. The functional significance of this expression remains to be assessed.

Fire Ant Venom Alkaloid, Isosolenopsin A, a Potent and Selective Inhibitor of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase

2003 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. B. Yi ◽  
D. Mc Clendon ◽  
D. Desaiah ◽  
J. Goddard ◽  
A. Lister ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Inhibitory Activity ◽  
Systemic Toxicity ◽  
Fire Ant ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Nos Inhibitors ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Nos Isoforms

Massive, multiple fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, stings are often treated aggressively, particularly in the elderly, despite limited evidence of systemic toxicity due to the venom. Over 95% of the S. invicta venom is composed of piperidine alkaloid components, whose toxicity, if any, is unknown. To assess a possible pharmacological basis for systemic toxicity, an alkaloid-rich, protein-free methanol extract of the venom from whole ants was assayed for inhibitory activity on the following nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, rat cerebellar neuronal (n NOS), bovine recombinant endothelial (e NOS), and murine recombinant immunologic (i NOS). Cytosolic NOS activity was determined by measuring the conversion of [3H]arginine to [3H]citrulline in vitro. Rat n NOS activity was inhibited significantly and in a concentration-dependent manner by the alkaloid-rich venom extract. For n NOS, enzyme activity was inhibited by approximately 50% with 0.33 ± 0.06 μgg of this venom extract, and over 95% inhibition of the three isoforms, n NOS, e NOS, and i NOS, was found with doses of 60 μg in 60-μl reaction mixture. These results indicate that the alkaloid components of S. invicta venom can produce potent inhibition of all three major NOS isoforms. Isosolenopsin A ( cis-2-methyl-6-undecylpiperidine), a naturally occurring fire ant piperidine alkaloid, was synthesized and tested for inhibitory activity against the three NOS isoforms. Enzyme activities for n NOS and e NOS were over 95% inhibited with 1000 μM of isosolenopsin A, whereas the activity of i NOS was inhibited by only about 20% at the same concentration. The IC50 for each of three NOS isoforms was approximately 18 ± 3.9 μM for n NOS, 156 ± 10 μM for e NOS, and >1000 μM for i NOS, respectively. Kinetic studies showed isosolenopsin A inhibition to be noncompetitive with L-arginine ( Ki = 19 ± 2 μM). The potency of isosolenopsin A as an inhibitor of n NOS compares favorably with the inhibitory potency of widely used n NOS inhibitors. Inhibition of NOS isoforms by isosolenopsin A and structurally similar compounds may have toxicological significance with respect to adverse reactions to fire ant stings.

A Unique Role of NO in the Control of Blood Flow

Physiology ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Pohl ◽  
Cor de Wit
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Vascular Conductance ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Nos Inhibitors ◽  
Oxide Synthase

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors induce significant vasoconstriction, suggesting an indispensable role of NO as a local vasodilator. This is due mainly to its effects on large arterioles that significantly control arterial conductance while scarcely being regulated by metabolites. NO’s role in adapting vascular conductance to flow is pronounced during (re)active hyperemia and autoregulation.

Role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) in the pathogenesis of renal hemodynamic changes in diabetes

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (3) ◽  
pp. F573-F583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radko Komers ◽  
Jessie N. Lindsley ◽  
Terry T. Oyama ◽  
Kristen M. Allison ◽  
Sharon Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthase ◽  
Renal Plasma Flow ◽  
Diabetic Rats ◽  
Hemodynamic Changes ◽  
Renal Hemodynamic ◽  
Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Nos Isoforms

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of renal hemodynamic changes in diabetes mellitus. However, the contribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms to intrarenal production of NO in diabetes remains unknown. To explore the role of NOS1 in the control of renal hemodynamics in diabetes, we assessed renal responses to inhibition of NOS1 with S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline (SMTC; administered into the abdominal aorta) in moderately hyperglycemic streptozotocin-diabetic rats (D) and their nondiabetic (C) and normoglycemic diabetic counterparts. The contribution of other NOS isoforms was also evaluated by assessing the responses to nonspecific NOS inhibition [ N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME)] in SMTC-treated diabetic rats. The number of NOS1-positive cells in macula densa of D and C kidneys was also evaluated by immunohistochemistry. D rats demonstrated elevated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) compared with C. SMTC (0.05 mg/kg) normalized GFR in D but had no effect in C. SMTC-induced reduction of renal plasma flow (RPF) was similar in C and D. Normoglycemic diabetic rats demonstrated blunted renal hemodynamic responses to NOS1 inhibition compared with hyperglycemic animals. Mean arterial pressure was stable in all groups. l-NAME induced a further decrease in RPF, but not in GFR, in D rats treated with SMTC. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased numbers of NOS1-positive cells in D. These observations suggest that NOS1-derived NO plays a major role in the pathogenesis of renal hemodynamic changes early in the course of diabetes. NOS1 appears to be the most important isoform in the generation of hemodynamically active NO in this condition.

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