Quiescent interplay between inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha: influence on transplant graft vasculopathy in renal allograft dysfunction

A healthy endothelium is essential for vascular homeostasis, and preservation of endothelial cell function is critical for maintaining transplant allograft function. Damage to the microvascular endothelial cells is now regarded as a characteristic feature of acute vascular rejection, an important predictor of graft loss. It is also linked with transplant vasculopathy, often associated with chronic allograft nephropathy. Large bursts of nitric oxide in infiltrating monocytes/macrophages modulated by inducible nitric oxide synthase are considered pivotal in driving this mechanism. Indeed, it has been shown recently that increased circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the rejecting kidneys are largely responsible for triggering inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. This in turn suggests that several structural and functional features of graft rejection could be mediated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Despite the large body of evidence that supports immunologic involvement, knowledge concerning the cellular and biochemical mechanisms for nephritic cell dysfunction and death is incomplete. The role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in mediating pathophysiological activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase during transplant vasculopathy remains contentious. Here, we discuss the effect of inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha interaction on progressive damage to glomerular and vascular structures during renal allograft rejection. Selective inhibition of inducible nitrous oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha as a potential therapy for ameliorating endothelial dysfunction and transplant graft vasculopathy is also discussed.     

Role of inducible nitric oxide synthase in pig liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Previously, we clarified the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the protective effect of an iNOS inhibitor in warm ischemia and reperfusion model. In this study, we investigated whether the same effects would be obtained by iNOS inhibitor in liver transplantation model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Orthotopic liver transplantation was performed in pigs in the usual manner after about 6 h of cold preservation in University of Wisconsin solution. Aminoguanidine hemisulfate (AG) was used as the iNOS inhibitor and AG was administered intraportally at the dose of 10 mg/kg just after reperfusion. Two experimental groups were subjected, control group (n = 10), and AG group (n = 10). We investigated changes of serum nitrite/nitrate (NOx) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Expression of iNOS was examined by immunohistochemistry, including a double immunofluorescnce technique in combination with cofocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: Serum NOx and AST were significantly lower in the AG group. Histological hepatic damage and thrombocyte thrombi were attenuated in the AG group. Expression of iNOS was recognized strongly at Kupffer cells and neutrophils in the centrilobular region of liver after reperfusion by cofocal laser scanning microscopy. Moreover, iNOS staining was attenuated in AG group compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in liver transplantation might be triggered by iNOS expression of Kupffer cells and neutrophils, and attenuated by administration of an iNOS inhibitor. Moreover, AG showed down regulation of iNOS expression after reperfusion.     

诱导型一氧化氮合成酶在迟发性血管痉挛中的作用

目的　以大鼠迟发性脑血管痉挛模型为基础研究诱导型一氧化氮合成酶 (iNOS)在迟发性血管痉挛发展中的作用。方法　 3 2只雄性SD大鼠随机分为实验组和对照组 ,实验组枕大池二次注血诱导迟发性脑血管痉挛 ,对照组枕大池注射生理盐水。第 8天行脑血管造影 ,枕大池抽取脑脊液测一氧化氮 (NO)浓度。逆转录 聚合酶链反应 (RT PCR )法和免疫组织化学法测定并评价iNOSmRNA和蛋白质在基底动脉、大脑中动脉和皮质中的表达。结果　颅内动脉血管减影提示对照组颈内动脉颅内段、大脑中动脉 (MCA)明显变细 ,大脑中动脉中段直径 (MD)与镫骨动脉中段直径 (SD)之比衡量大脑中动脉的管径显示实验组MCA管径较对照组MCA管径减少 3 0 %。对照组脑脊液中NO浓度为 (11.70± 2 .62 ) μmol/L ,实验组脑脊液中NO的浓度为(5 5 .67± 12 .84)μmol/L。iNOSmRNA和蛋白质表达于基底动脉、大脑中动脉和皮质 ,其中基底动脉表达最强。 结论　iNOS作为迟发性脑血管痉挛发展中的关键因素参与血管壁的迟发性损伤。     

诱导性一氧化氮合酶在大鼠肝缺血再灌注损伤中的作用

目的 探讨诱导性一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）在大鼠部分肝缺血再灌注损伤中的作用.方法 选取雄性Sprague-Dawley大鼠30只,体重225～250 g,随机分成氨基胍（AG）组、脂多糖（LPS）组、对照组.每组均按相同方法建立70%的肝缺血再灌注损伤模型（缺血1 h,再灌注6 h）,取再灌注大鼠肝组织及血清样本.氨基胍（AG）组（n=10）：术前30 min尾静脉注射AG 100 mg/kg（质量浓度10 kg/L）;脂多糖（LPS）组（n=10）：术前30 min尾静脉注射LPS 10 mg/kg（质量浓度1 kg/L）;对照组（n=10）：术前30 min尾静脉注射生理盐水（10 μL/kg）.检测血清谷氨酸转氨酶（ALT）水平,实时荧光定量PCR测定肝组织iNOS mRNA的表达,Western blot测定肝组织iNOS蛋白的表达,考马斯法测定肝组织匀浆丙二醛（MDA）含量、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性,HE染色光镜下组织学观察等.结果 AG组与对照组相比,肝组织中iNOS mRNA表达量明显下降（P〈0.05）,iNOS蛋白表达量明显下降（P〈0.05）;ALT和MDA明显下降（P〈0.05）;SOD明显升高（P〈0.05）;肝细胞水肿较轻,排列相对整齐.LPS组与对照组相比,肝组织中iNOS mRNA表达量明显升高（P〈0.05）,iNOS蛋白表达量明显升高（P〈0.01）;ALT和MDA明显升高（P〈0.05）;SOD则明显降低（P〈0.05）;肝细胞水肿,排列紊乱,并且出现水样变性.结论 iNOS 升高会加重缺血再灌注损伤,这一过程可能通过改变氧化还原状态实现.     

Expression of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase in acute renal allograft rejection in the rat

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) synthases, particularly inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS), are induced in acute rejection episodes following heart, liver, pancreas and kidney allotransplantation. Furthermore, tissue and cellular injury has been demonstrated to be mediated by peroxynitrite (ONOO-), a metabolite of NO as well as a potent oxidant. However, a detailed relationship between NO, i-NOS and graft injury in transplantation remains elusive. METHODS: The present study used the following models of renal transplantation in rats: allografts (n = 5, Brown-Norway to Lewis [LEW] rats), isografts (n = 5, LEW to LEW) and allografts treated with aminoguanidine (AG), an i-NOS inhibitor (n = 5). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr) and urinary and serum nitrosocompounds (NOx) were measured on days 2, 4 and 7 post-transplant. Western blot analysis of i-NOS protein expression and measurement of i-NOS activity were carried out in grafts harvested on Day 7, along with immunohistochemical and histopathological examinations. RESULTS: In the allograft group, both BUN and SCr levels increased markedly on Day 7, in parallel with a sharp increase in NOx. A band stained by anti-i-NOS antibody was detected at approximately 130 kDa, along with high levels of i-NOS activity and diffusely distributed i-NOS-positive cells (macrophages). Histologically, an acute rejection episode was confirmed (Grade 3 according to Banff classifications). In the AG group, reduced renal function and graft injury were significantly less severe than in the allograft group. CONCLUSIONS: In rat renal allograft acute rejection, markedly increased levels of serum NOx were observed, along with enhanced tissue i-NOS activity, together resulting in graft injury. AG administration suppressed the increase of serum NOx levels, with concomitant mitigation of tissue injury and renal function impairment.     

Characterization of incisional wound healing in inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout mice

BACKGROUND: Excisional wound healing in inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout (iNOS-KO) mice has been previously shown to be impaired compared with their background strain controls. Incisional wounds were created in this experiment in both types of animals and paradoxically were found to heal with the same rapidity and breaking strength in both groups. METHODS: Dorsal 2.5 cm incisional wounds were created in iNOS-KO mice, as well as their parental strain controls (C57BL/6J). Standardized polyvinyl alcohol sponges were implanted in the wounds to allow for measurement of collagen deposition. Animals were harvested on postoperative days (PODs) 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 28, and their wounds subjected to tensiometric breaking strength analysis. Nonisotopic in situ hybridization quantitative analysis for iNOS, endothelial NOS (eNOS), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) expression in the wounds was performed. Hydroxyproline levels were quantitated in the harvested polyvinyl alcohol sponges. Data were analyzed with the Students t test. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in breaking strengths or levels of hydroxyproline (and thus collagen) in iNOS-KO versus wild-type wounds at all tested time points. Flawed iNOS expression levels in iNOS-KO animals were similar to (functional) iNOS expression in wild-types. eNOS and bFGF expression nearly doubled on POD 7 in iNOS-KO incisions (P =.002, and.002), respectively and remained 200% to 300% elevated thereafter. TGF-beta1 expression was increased approximately 50% to 100% in iNOS-KO wounds on PODs 5 and 7 (P =.006 and.01, respectively). VEGF and IL-4 expression was elevated by 25% to 100% in wild-type compared with iNOS-KO animals at all time points (P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: The overexpression of TGF-beta1 and eNOS may represent mechanisms in iNOS-KO mice to compensate for their loss of functional iNOS, resulting in incisional wound healing equivalent to controls. Their impaired expression of VEGF and IL-4, on the other hand, may partially explain the delayed excisional wound healing noted in these animals.     

Modulation of renal disease in MRL/lpr mice by pharmacologic inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase

BACKGROUND: MRL-MPJFaslpr (MRL/lpr) mice spontaneously develop lupus-like disease characterized by immune complex glomerulonephritis and overproduction of nitric oxide (NO). Blocking NO production pharmacologically by a non-specific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor ameliorated renal disease in MRL/lpr mice while genetically deficient inducible NOS (iNOS) mice developed proliferative glomerulonephritis similar to wild-type controls.METHODS: To clarify the role of iNOS in the pathogenesis of nephritis in MRL/lpr mice, we treated mice with two different NOS inhibitors. Either NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (L-NMMA), a nonspecific NOS inhibitor, or l-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine (L-NIL), an iNOS specific inhibitor, was administered in the drinking water from 10 through 22 weeks of age with disease progression monitored over time. Control mice received water alone.RESULTS: Both L-NMMA and L-NIL blocked NO production effectively in MRL/lpr mice. As expected, neither L-NNMA nor L-NIL had an effect on antibody production, immune complex deposition or complement activation. Although both NOS inhibitors decreased protein excretion, L-NMMA was more effective than L-NIL. Pathologic renal disease was significantly decreased at 19 weeks in both treatment groups. At 22 weeks the L-NIL treated mice, but not the L-NMMA mice, had significantly reduced renal disease scores compared to controls.CONCLUSION: These results indicate that specific inhibition of iNOS blocks the development of pathologic renal disease in MRL/lpr mice.     

Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase reduces renal ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO), produced via inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), is implicated in the pathophysiology of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the iNOS inhibitors L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine (L-NIL) and aminoethyl-isothiourea (AE-ITU) on (a) renal dysfunction and injury mediated by bilateral I/R of rat kidneys in vivo and (b) cytokine-stimulated NO production by primary cultures of rat proximal tubule (PT) cells.METHODS: Male Wistar rats subjected to bilateral renal ischemia (45 min) followed by reperfusion (6 h). Rats were administered either L-NIL (3 mg/kg IV bolus 15 min prior to I/R followed by 1 mg/kg/h throughout I/R) or AE-ITU (1 mg/kg IV bolus 15 min prior to I/R followed by 1 mg/kg/h throughout I/R). Serum and urinary biochemical indicators of renal dysfunction and injury were measured; serum creatinine (SCr, glomerular dysfunction), fractional excretion of Na+ (FENa, tubular dysfunction), serum aspartate aminotransferase (sAST, I/R injury) and urinary N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (uNAG, tubular injury). Additionally, renal sections were used for histological grading of renal injury and for immunological evidence of nitrotyrosine formation. Nitrate/nitrate levels in plasma were measured using the Griess assay and used as an indicator of NO production. Primary cultures of rat PT cells were incubated with interferon-gamma(IFN-gamma, 100 IU/mL) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 microg/mL) for 24 h, either in the absence or presence of increasing concentrations of L-NIL or AE-ITU (0.001 to 1 mmol/L) after which nitrite/nitrate levels were measured using the Griess assay.RESULTS: L-NIL and AE-ITU significantly reduced the I/R-mediated increases in SCr, FENa, sAST and uNAG, indicating attenuation of I/R-mediated renal dysfunction and injury. Specifically, L-NIL and AE-ITU reduced the I/R-mediated glomerular and tubular dysfunction and biochemical and histological evidence of tubular injury. Both L-NIL and AE-ITU attenuated the plasma levels of nitrate (indicating reduced NO production) and the immunohistochemical evidence of the formation of nitrotyrosine. In vitro, L-NIL and AE-ITU both significantly reduced cytokine-stimulated NO production by primary cultures of rat PT cells in a dose-dependent manner.CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that L-NIL and AE-ITU reduce the renal dysfunction and injury associated with I/R of the kidney, via inhibition of iNOS activity and subsequent reduction of NO (and peroxynitrite) generation. We propose that selective and specific inhibitors of iNOS activity may be useful against the NO-mediated renal dysfunction and injury associated with I/R of the kidney.     

一氧化氮、诱导性一氧化氮合酶在实验性大鼠腹主动脉瘤中的作用

目的:探讨一氧化氮(NO)和诱导性一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)在实验性大鼠腹主动脉瘤形成中的作用和机制.方法:建立大鼠腹主动脉瘤灌注模型,对照组予以生理盐水腹主动脉灌注,余下予以猪胰弹性蛋白酶灌注制作腹主动脉瘤模型,并分为实验组(术后腹腔注射生理盐水)、药物组(术后腹腔注射氨基胍),观察各组大鼠血清NO、腹主动脉瘤壁组织学和基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、iNOS的变化.结果:生理盐水灌注组大鼠术前术后血清NO无明显变化,iNOS、MMP-9表达弱阳性或阴性,动脉壁炎性细胞浸润轻、弹性蛋白降解少;实验组血清NO显著升高,iNOS及MMP-9表达强阳性,炎性细胞浸润重、弹性蛋白几乎完全降解;应用氨基胍后iNOS变化不明显,而NO显著降低,MMP-9表达显著减弱,炎性细胞浸润和弹性蛋白降解明显减轻.结论:iNOS、MMP-9的表达和血清NO水平在实验组均显著升高.iNOS及其合成的NO能促进腹主动脉壁炎性细胞的浸润、中膜基质的降解和MMPs的表达,从而导致了腹主动脉瘤的生成.     

Hemodynamic effects of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitrotyrosine generation in heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: The hemodynamic effects of cardiac inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and of iNOS-mediated peroxynitrite in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction are unclear. The present study investigates the incidence and functional significance of iNOS expression and nitrotyrosine formation in patients with heart failure. METHODS: LV endomyocardial biopsies obtained from 24 patients with heart failure due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction [EF] <45% and left ventricular end-diastolic volume index [LVEDVI] >102 ml/m2) were analyzed for iNOS and nitrotyrosine. LV contractile performance was assessed by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and stroke work normalized for end-diastolic pressure (SW/EDP). LV filling pattern was assessed by Doppler E/A wave ratio, deceleration time (DT) of early LV filling and indexed LV end-diastolic volume normalized for EDP as a marker of diastolic distensibility. RESULTS: iNOS immunostaining correlated significantly with nitrotyrosine formation (r = 0.86, p < 0.001). In the whole study group, patients expressing iNOS (n = 13) showed larger LV end-diastolic (173 +/-16 vs 128 +/- 9 ml/m2, p = 0.031) and end-systolic volume indices (110 +/- 16 vs 61 +/- 9 ml/m2, p = 0.018) and similar LVEDP (18 +/- 2 vs 21 +/- 2 mm Hg, p = 0.227). In patients with advanced heart failure and reduced pre-load reserve (LVEDP > 16 mm Hg, n = 18), iNOS protein and nitrotyrosine formation correlated positively with LVSW/EDP (r = 0.65, p = 0.03 and r = 0.64, p = 0.04, respectively), DT (r = 0.96, p < 0.01 and r = 0.88, p < 0.01, respectively) and inversely with E/A (r = -0.82, p < 0.01 and r = -0.88, p < 0.01, respectively). In addition, nitrotyrosine formation correlated positively with LVEDVI/EDP (r = 0.64, p = 0.02). Advanced iNOS-positive heart failure patients had a higher LVEDVI/EDP compared with iNOS-negative patients (5.30 +/- 0.64 vs 3.13 +/- 0.34 ml/mm Hg x m2, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In heart failure, iNOS protein expression is associated with nitrotyrosine formation. Although iNOS-positive patients are generally characterized by larger LV volume and depressed function, the preserved NO generation appears to be associated with higher cardiac work due to the preserved Frank-Starling relationship in end-stage heart failure.     

Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase prevents shock wave therapy induced renal injury

Objectives: Shock wave lithotripsy treatment (SWT) is not completely free from side effects; one of the accused mechanisms for renal injury during SWT is oxygen- and nitrogen-derived free radical productions. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production by N-[3(aminomethyl) benzyl) acetamidine] (1400W), highly selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, at SWT-induced kidney damage. Materials and methods: Twenty-four rats those underwent right nephrectomy procedure were divided equally into three groups as control, SWT, and SWT?+?1400W. 1400W was administered at a dose of 10?mg/kg at 2?h prior to SWT procedure and at the beginning of SWT procedure via intraperitoneal route and continued daily for consecutive 3 days. At the end of the fourth day, animals were killed via decapitation and trunk blood and the left kidneys were taken for biochemical and histopathologic evaluation. Results: SWT caused renal tubular damage and increased lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities and SWT also significantly increased nitro-oxidative products. Inhibition of iNOS via administration of 1400W ameliorated renal injury and decreased tissue lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and nitrite/nitrate levels (NO_x). In addition, it was seen that histolopathological changes were attenuated in the SWT?+?1400W group when compared to SWT group. Conclusion: SWT-induced renal injury might be due to excessive production of oxygen free radicals and NO production. Inhibition of iNOS attenuates renal injury following SWT treatment. It can be concluded that iNOS inhibitors or peroxynitrite scavengers might be used to protect the kidneys against SWT-induced morphological and functional injuries.     

诱导型一氧化氮合酶在单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾脏的表达

目的:探讨诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)在单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)大鼠术侧肾脏的表达.方法:建立左侧输尿管梗阻模型(UUO组),设假手术组为对照.3 d后应用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测iNOS的mRNA水平.结果:与对照组相比,UUO组大鼠肾脏出现明显病理变化,并且其iNOS mRNA表达明显增加.结论:iNOS参与UUO的发生和发展的病理过程.     

Chronic diabetic nephropathy: role of inducible nitric oxide synthase

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional mediator that has been implicated in the short-term hemodynamic alterations that occur in acute streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. We investigated the role of NO produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in chronic STZ diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6 and iNOS knockout (KO) mice with two intraperitoneal injections of STZ, 100 mg/kg. Animals were maintained without insulin treatment for 40 weeks. There were no significant differences between the strains in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine or glucose concentration, or urinary protein excretion during the entire observation period. Urinary nitrite + nitrate excretion was significantly lower in iNOS KO mice compared to control animals at all time points; in C57 mice, urinary nitrite declined progressively with more prolonged duration of diabetes. Renal hypertrophy (kidney weight/body weight) was noted in both strains of mice. However, histopathological assessment of renal tissue specimens at 16 and 40 weeks demonstrated increased mesangial hypercellularity and expansion as well as more prominent tubulointerstitial fibrosis in iNOS KO versus C57 mice. These changes were accompanied by increased interstitial deposition of type I collagen at 16 and 40 weeks in iNOS KO mice. Glomerular basement membrane staining for type IV collagen was also increased at 40 weeks in diabetic iNOS KO mice. While iNOS protein was undetectable in any of the kidney specimens obtained from either strain, eNOS was present throughout the course of chronic STZ diabetes. Moreover, eNOS expression was significantly increased by approximately 40% at 16 and 40 weeks of observation in iNOS KO versus C57 mice. There was no difference in renal cortical malondialdehyde content between the strains early or late in the disease course. In time control animals, there was no evidence of renal histopathological damage in iNOS KO or C57 mice after 40 weeks. We conclude that iNOS-derived NO modulates glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in chronic STZ nephropathy. This action is probably a result of the direct actions of NO on the synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix proteins. Received: 28 February 2001 / Revised: 10 August 2001 / Accepted: 13 August 2001     

Inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase with rutin reduces renal ischemia/reperfusion injury

Background

Nitric oxide (NO) seems to play an important role during renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We investigated whether rutin inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and reduces 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) formation in the kidneys of rats during I/R.

Methods

Wistar albino rats were nephrectomized unilaterally and, 2 weeks later, subjected to 45 minutes of left renal pedicle occlusion followed by 3 hours of reperfusion. We intraperitoneally administered L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine (L-NIL; 3 mg/kg) for 30 minutes or rutin (1 g/kg) for 60 minutes before I/R. After reperfusion, kidney samples were taken for immunohistochemical analysis of iNOS and 3-NT. We measured plasma nitrite/nitrate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to evaluate NO levels.

Results

Ischemia/reperfusion caused plasma cGMP to increase significantly. Similarly, plasma nitrite/nitrate was elevated in the I/R group compared with the control group. Histochemical staining was positive for iNOS and 3-NT in the I/R group. Pretreatment with L-NIL or rutin significantly mitigated the elevation of plasma cGMP and nitrite/nitrate. These changes in biochemical parameters were also associated with changes in immunohistochemical appearance. Pretreatment with L-NIL or rutin significantly decreased the incidence and severity of iNOS and 3-NT formation in the kidney tissues.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that high activity of iNOS causes renal I/R injury, and that rutin exerts protective effects, probably by inhibiting iNOS.     

Altered response to partial bladder outlet obstruction in mice lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase

INTRODUCTION: Following prolonged partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in the mouse, cholinergic mediated detrusor contractility decreases. Previous work has demonstrated an increase in the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at the mRNA and protein levels soon after obstruction. Since nitric oxide (NO), the product of the action of iNOS on molecular oxygen and l-arginine, produces vasodilation and decreases platelet aggregation, we believe it is an integral part of the initial detrusor response to obstruction. These experiments evaluated the detrusor response in mice incapable of producing iNOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wild type and knockout mice were partially obstructed for 1, 3, and 5 weeks. Physiologic evaluation consisted of cystometric analyses, and muscle strip studies in response to cholinergic and electrical stimulation. Strips were also relaxed with L-arginine, sodium nitroprusside, and 8-bromoguanosine 3' - 5' cyclic GMP, after precontraction. RESULTS: After 5 weeks of obstruction, both wild type (WT) and knockout (KO) mouse bladders increased significantly in weight. WT bladders obstructed for 5 weeks had the greatest capacity (increase of 42%, p = 0.022), and a decreased contractile response to carbachol (decrease of 32% at 10-5 M, p = 0.018). No differences were noted at 1 and 3 weeks of obstruction. In contrast, KO mice had a significantly larger bladder capacity at 1 week of obstruction compared with WT, and had significantly lower responses to electrical stimulation than WT at the same time (p = 0.03). Additionally, after 5 weeks of obstruction, bladder capacity and contractility returned to baseline levels in KO mice, at a time when WT mice had significantly larger capacity and decreased contractility. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder function following partial BOO in mice incapable of producing iNOS differed significantly from the normal response. Our data suggest that generation of iNOS soon after obstruction is necessary to prevent detrusor dysfunction at that time. Moreover, the enhanced function seen in KO bladders after longer periods of obstruction (5 weeks) in comparison to WT bladders suggests that reactive nitrogen species-induced protein nitrosylation may be involved in the loss of contractile function observed after more prolonged periods of obstruction.     

iNOS在瑞芬太尼预处理对大鼠产生延迟性心肌保护效应中的作用

目的 评价诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)在瑞芬太尼预处理对大鼠产生延迟性心肌保护效应中的作用.方法 成年雄性Wistar大鼠36只,体重250～300 g,采用结扎大鼠左冠状动脉左前降支的方法 建立心肌缺血再灌注模型,缺血30 min,再灌注120 min.随机分为6组(n=6):Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组心肌缺血前24 h时尾静脉输注生理盐水0.1 ml·kg-1·min-15 min,重复3次,间隔5 min,Ⅱ组心肌缺血前10 min时尾静脉注射iNOS抑制剂Smethylthiourea(SMT)10 ms/kg,Ⅲ组生理盐水输注结束后尾静脉注射SMT 10 ms/ks.Ⅳ组、Ⅴ组和Ⅵ组心肌缺血前24 h时尾静脉输注瑞芬太尼2 μg·kg-1·min-15 min,重复3次,间隔5 min,Ⅴ组心肌缺血前10 min时尾静脉注射SMT 10 mg/kg,Ⅵ组瑞芬太尼预处理结束后尾静脉注射SMT 10 mg/kg.于心肌缺血前、缺血期每隔15 min、再灌注期每隔30 min记录心率(HR)和平均动脉压(MAP),计算心率血压乘积(RPP).于缺血前即刻、缺血30 min和再灌注120 min时抽取右颈内动脉血样,测定血浆肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)活性;于再灌注120 min时处死大鼠,取心脏,测定左心室面积(LVA)、心肌梗死区面积(IA)和缺血危险区面积(AAR),计算AAR/LVA、IA/LVA和IA/AAR.结果 各组问HR、MAP、RPP和AAR/LVA比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).与Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组比较,Ⅳ组和Ⅵ组缺血30 min和再灌注120 min时血浆CK-MB活性、IA/LVA和IA/AAR降低(P<0.05);Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组血浆CK-MB活性、IA/LVA和IA/AAR比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);与Ⅳ组比较,Ⅴ组缺血30 min和再灌注120 min时血浆CK-MB活性、IA/LVA和IA/AAR升高(P<0.05);与Ⅴ组比较,Ⅵ组缺血30 min和再灌注120 min时血浆CK-MB活性、IA/LVA和IA/AAR降低(P<0.05).结论 iNOS是瑞芬太尼预处理对大鼠产生延迟性心肌保护效应的介导因子,而非触发因子.     

iNOS在瑞芬太尼预处理对大鼠产生延迟性心肌保护效应中的作用

Objective To evaluate the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the delayed cardioprotection induced by remifentanil preconditioning in rots. Methods Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats,weighing 250-300 g, were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6 each). Myocardial ischemia was induced by 5 min, repeating 3 times at 5 min intervals. In greup Ⅱ rots were treated with iv SMT (a selective iNOS inhibitor)10 mg/kg at 10 min before myocardial ischemia. In group Ⅲ iv SMT 10 mg/kg was injected following the infusion with iv SMT 10 mg/kg at 10 min before myocardial isehemia. In group Ⅵ iv SMT 10 mg/kg was injected following the infusion of remifentanil. HR and MAP were recorded before ischemia and every 15 min during ischemia period and every 30 min during reperfasion period. The rote-pressure product (RPP) was calculated. The blood samples from right internal carotid artery were obtained for determination of plasma activity of CK-MB immediately before ischemia, at 30 min of ischemia and at 120 min of reperfusion. The animals were then killed and heart,s removed to measure the left ventricle area (LVA), the myocardial infarct area (IA) and the area at risk (AAR), and AAR/LVA, IA/LVA and IA/AAR were calculated. Results There were no significant differences in HR, MAP,RPP and AAR/LVA at every measurement point during the experiment among all groups. As compared to group Ⅰ ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ, plasma activity of CK-MB, IA/LVA and IA/KAR were significantly decreased at 30 min of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion in group Ⅳ and Ⅵ . There were no significant differences in plasma activity of CK-MB,IAJLVA and IA/AAR between group Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ . Plasma activity of CK-MB, IA/LVA and IA/AAR were significantly higher at 30 min of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion in group Ⅴ than in group Ⅳ . Plasma activity of CK-MB, IA/LVA and IA/AAR were significantly lower at 30 min of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion in group Ⅵ than in group Ⅴ . Conclusion iNOS is involved in the delayed cardioproteetion induced by remifentanil preconditioning in rats, and it is a mediator but not a trigger.     

Curcumin prevents shock-wave lithotripsy-induced renal injury through inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity in rats

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is commonly used for treatment of renal stones. Free oxygen radicals are involved in the pathophysiology of renal injury due to SWL. We investigated the protective effects of curcumin, which is an antioxidant and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) inhibitor, against renal injury. Forty-eight rats were included and divided into four groups: group 1, control; group 2, SWL (15 kW-1,500 shocks); group 3, SWL + curcumin (curcumin orally 75 mg/kg/day dissolved in 10% ethyl alcohol, 1 day before and 5 days after SWL); and group 4, SWL + vehicle (10% ethyl alcohol). The kidneys were removed on days 7 and 35 after SWL. A sample was fixed in formaldehyde solution. Renal tissues were examined for proximal tubular injury under light microscope. iNOS activity and active subunit of NF-κB, p65, were evaluated immunohistochemically using rat monoclonal antibodies interpreting results semiquantitatively. There were significant differences between SWL and control groups on days 7 and 35, considering histological changes under light microscope (P < 0.02). There was a significant decrease in necrosis and fibrosis in the curcumin group as compared to the SWL group. Expressions of iNOS and p65 on days 7 and 35 were at basal levels with immunohistochemical staining. These parameters had high levels in the SWL group (P < 0.02). No significant difference was present between the control and the curcumin groups (P > 0.02). Curcumin, decreasing expressions of iNOS and p65 and serum nitric oxide levels prevented interstitial, glomerular, tubular epithelial and endothelial cellular injuries. We suggest that curcumin, could be used, especially in high-risk patients, as a protective agent to prevent renal injury due to SWL.