Nitric oxide at a low concentration protects murine macrophage RAW264 cells against nitric oxide-induced death via cGMP signaling pathway

1. We investigated the cytoprotective effect of low-dose nitric oxide (NO) on NO-induced cell death in mouse macrophage-like cell line RAW264. 2. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, at a high concentration (4 mM) released cytochrome c from mitochondria and induced death in RAW264 cells. Acetyl-L-aspartyl-L-glutamyl-L-valyl-L-aspart-1-al (Ac-DEVD-CHO, 100-200 microM), a caspase-3 inhibitor, attenuated the SNP-induced cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. 3. Pretreatment with 100 microM SNP for 24 h, which had no effect on cell viability, attenuated the cell death and reduced cytochrome c release from mitochondria to the cytosol induced by 4 mM SNP. 4. LY83583 (1-3 microM) and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 30-100 microM), soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitors, negated the protective effect of the 100 microM SNP pretreatment. 5. Pretreatment with 1 mM dibutylyl guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (DBcGMP), a cell-permeable guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) analogue, for 24 h inhibited both cytochrome c release and cell death induced by SNP. 6. Protein kinase G inhibitor KT5823 (10 microM) significantly reduced the cytoprotective effects of low-dose SNP and DBcGMP. 7. These results indicate that low-dose NO protects RAW264 cells from NO-induced apoptosis through cGMP production and activation of protein kinase G.     

Nitric Oxide and Carbon Monoxide Act as Inhibitory Neurotransmitters in the Longitudinal Muscle of C57BL/6J Mouse Distal Colon

The present study was designed to identify the inhibitory neurotransmitters mediating nonadrenergic noncholinergic relaxation in the longitudinal muscle of C57/BL mouse distal colon. Relaxation induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) was recorded isotonically in the presence of atropine and guanethidine. Cyclic guanosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) content was measured by radioimmunoassay. EFS-induced relaxation was inhibited by nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA) and Sn (IV) protoporphyrin dichloride IX (SnPP-IX), a nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) synthase inhibitor, respectively. A combination of both inhibitors produced an additive effect. ODQ, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, inhibited EFS-induced relaxation. NOR-1, a NO donor, and carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2), a CO donor, treatment relaxed the distal colon and increased cyclic GMP content. The effects of NOR-1 and CORM-2 were inhibited by ODQ. KT5823, a cyclic GMP–dependent protein kinase inhibitor, inhibited EFS-induced relaxation. EFS-induced relaxation in the presence of KT5823 was further inhibited byl-NNA, but not by SnPP-IX. In addition, KT5823 inhibited CORM-2–induced relaxation, but not NOR-1–induced relaxation. H89, a cyclic AMP–dependent protein kinase inhibitor, inhibited EFS-induced relaxation, and EFS-induced relaxation in the presence of H89 was further inhibited byl-NNA. These results suggested that NO and CO function as inhibitory neurotransmitters in the longitudinal muscle of C57BL mouse distal colon.     

Neuroprotective effects of DETA-NONOate, a nitric oxide donor, on hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity in cortical neurones.

Nitric oxide (NO) has been proposed to exert neuroprotective actions against oxidative damage acting directly as an antioxidant; in addition, it has also been suggested that NO might be cytoprotective by increasing cyclic GMP concentrations via activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. In this context, we have previously shown that cyclic GMP elevations confer cytoprotection against the neurotoxicity induced by SIN-1 in the presence of superoxide dismutase, conditions in which cell death seems to be a consequence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation. We have now found that H2O2 (20-100 microM) causes neurotoxicity in 1-week-old rat cortical neurones and that this effect is inhibited by the NO donor DETA-NONOate (1-10 microM). We have also found that 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a selective inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, reverses the effect induced by DETA-NONOate, and that this action of ODQ is mimicked by 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)guanosine-3',5'-monophosphorothioate (Rp-8-pCPT-cGMPS), an inhibitor of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase, suggesting that the pathway affording protection involves activation of this kinase by cyclic GMP elevations. Simultaneously, ODQ inhibits the elevation of cyclic GMP concentrations induced by DETA-NONOate (1-3 microM) in cortical cells. Finally, we have also shown that the cyclic GMP mimetic, 8-bromoguanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cyclic GMP) inhibits the neurotoxicity induced by H2O2 (30-40 microM). Taken together, these data demonstrate that NO-induced cyclic GMP elevations confer cytoprotection against H2O2-induced neuronal cell death.     

YC-1 potentiates the antiplatelet effect of hydrogen peroxide via sensitization of soluble guanylate cyclase.

In the present study, we showed that 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1), a nitric oxide (NO)-independent activator of soluble guanylate cyclase, could potentiate H2O2-induced inhibition of platelet aggregation and increase of platelet cGMP levels. The synergistic effect of YC-1 and H2O2 on platelet aggregation and increases of cGMP were almost completely prevented by catalase and a selective soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), or partially attenuated by the hydroxyl radical scavenger mannitol. In contrast, superoxide dismutase failed to influence H2O2/YC-1-induced inhibition of aggregation. Furthermore, YC-1 could enhance the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase caused by FeSO4/H2O2 and, this effect was prevented markedly by mannitol. These results suggest that YC-1 may enhance the antiaggregatory effect of H2O2 via the sensitization of platelet soluble guanylate cyclase. In addition, this phenomenon is, at least in part, dependent on H2O2-derived hydroxyl radical.     

The excitatory and inhibitory modulation of primary afferent fibre-evoked responses of ventral roots in the neonatal rat spinal cord exerted by nitric oxide.

1. We investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in modulating spinal synaptic responses evoked by electrical and noxious sensory stimuli in the neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro. 2. Potentials were recorded extracellularly from a ventral root (L3-L5) of the isolated spinal cord preparation or spinal cord-saphenous nerve-skin preparation of 0- to 2-day-old rats. Spinal reflexes were elicited by electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral dorsal root or by noxious skin stimulation. 3. In the spinal cord preparation, single shock stimulation of a dorsal root at C-fibre strength induced mono-synaptic reflex followed by a slow depolarizing response lasting about 30 s (slow ventral root potential; slow VRP) in the ipsilateral ventral root of the same segment. Bath-application of NO gas-containing medium (10(-4)- 10(-2) dilution of saturated medium) and NO donors, 1-hydroxy-2-oxo-3-(N-ethyl-2-aminoethyl)-3-ethyl-1-triazene (NOC12, 3-300 microM), S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP, 3-300 microM) and S-nitroso-L-glutathione (GSNO, 3-300 microM), produced an inhibition of the slow VRP and a depolarization of ventral roots. Another NO donor, 3-morpholinosydononimine (SIN-1, 30-300 microM), also depressed the slow VRP but did not depolarize ventral roots. These agents did not affect the mono-synaptic reflex. 4. In the spinal cord-saphenous nerve-skin preparation, application of capsaicin (0.1-0.2 microM) to skin evoked a slow depolarizing response of the L3 ventral root. This slow VRP was depressed by NOC12 (10-300 microM) and SIN-1 (100-300 microM). When the concentration of NOC12 was increased to 1 mM, spontaneous synaptic activities were augmented and the depressant effect of NOC12 on the slow VRP became less pronounced. 5. A NO-scavenger, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide( carboxy- PTIO, 100-300 microM) prevented the depressant effect on the dorsal root-evoked slow VRP and ventral root depolarizing effects of NO donors. Carboxy-PTIO increased spontaneous synaptic activities and markedly potentiated the slow VRP. A NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.03-1 microM), but not D-NAME (0.03-1 microM), also markedly potentiated the slow VRP and this effect was reversed by L-arginine (300 microM). 6. 8-Bromo-cyclic guanosine 3': 5'-monophosphate (8-Br-cyclic GMP, 100-300 microM) produced both an inhibition of the slow VRP and a depolarization of ventral roots. A cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, KT5823 (0.3 microM), partly inhibited the depressant effects of NO donors and 8-Br-cyclic GMP on the dorsal root-evoked slow VRP. In contrast, KT5823 did not inhibit the depolarizing effects of NO donors. 7. Perfusion of the spinal cord with medium containing tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM) and/or low Ca2+ (0.1 mM)-high Mg2+ (10 mM) markedly potentiated the depolarizing effect of NO donors. The SNAP-evoked depolarization in the tetrodotoxin-containing low Ca(2+)-high Mg2+ medium was significantly inhibited by excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (30 microM) and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (10 microM). 8. The present study suggests that inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms meditated by the NO-cyclic GMP cascade are involved in the primary afferent fibre-evoked nociceptive transmission in the neonatal rat spinal cord. The inhibitory mechanism, but not the excitatory mechanism, appears to be partly mediated by cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase. It is also suggested that Ca(2+)-independent release of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters contributes to the depolarizing response to NO of ventral roots.     

Fundamental role of nitric oxide in neuritogenesis of PC12h cells

1 We investigated the neuritogenic action of nitric oxide (NO)-generating agents and their mechanisms of action in a subclone of rat pheochromocytoma, PC12h cells. 2 NO donors such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0.05-1 microM), NOR1 (5-100 microM), NOR2 (5-20 microM), NOR3 (5-20 microM), NOR4 (5-100 microM), or S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP, 10-100 microM) significantly induced neurite outgrowth. 3 NOR4-induced neurite outgrowth was accompanied by expression of neurofilament 200 kDa subunit (NF200) protein, an axonal marker, and was significantly inhibited by an NO scavenger, a soluble GC inhibitor, and a PKG inhibitor: 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazole-1-oxyl-3-oxide (carboxy-PTIO, 20-100 microM), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 100 microM) and KT5823 (0.2-1 microM), respectively. 4 The intracellular cGMP concentration of cells was markedly increased by treatment with NOR4 (100 microM). 5 A mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor, PD98059 (10-50 microM), abolished the NOR4-induced neurite outgrowth. In agreement with this observation, NOR4 did phosphorylate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2, substrates of MAPK kinase. 6 A membrane-permeable cGMP analog, 8-Br-cGMP (1 mM) also induced significant neurite outgrowth. The 8-Br-cGMP-induced neurite outgrowth was almost completely inhibited by both KT5823 (0.5 microM) and PD98059 (50 microM). Moreover, sustained ERK phosphorylation was observed in the 8-Br-cGMP-treated PC12h cells. 7 These results suggest that NO itself has the ability to induce neurite outgrowth and that NO-induced ERK activation involves the NO-cGMP-PKG signaling pathway in PC12h cells.     

Ibudilast attenuates astrocyte apoptosis via cyclic GMP signalling pathway in an in vitro reperfusion model.

We examined the effect of 3-isobutyryl-2-isopropylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine (ibudilast), which has been clinically used for bronchial asthma and cerebrovascular disorders, on cell viability induced in a model of reperfusion injury. Ibudilast at 10 - 100 microM significantly attenuated the H(2)O(2)-induced decrease in cell viability. Ibudilast inhibited the H(2)O(2)-induced cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, DNA ladder formation and nuclear condensation, suggesting its anti-apoptotic effect. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as theophylline, pentoxyfylline, vinpocetine, dipyridamole and zaprinast, which increased the guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) level, and dibutyryl cyclic GMP attenuated the H(2)O(2)-induced injury in astrocytes. Ibudilast increased the cyclic GMP level in astrocytes. The cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor KT5823 blocked the protective effects of ibudilast and dipyridamole on the H(2)O(2)-induced decrease in cell viability, while the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor KT5720, the cyclic AMP antagonist Rp-cyclic AMPS, the mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor PD98059 and the leukotriene D(4) antagonist LY 171883 did not. KT5823 also blocked the effect of ibudilast on the H(2)O(2)-induced cytochrome c release and caspase-3-like protease activation. These findings suggest that ibudilast prevents the H(2)O(2)-induced delayed apoptosis of astrocytes via a cyclic GMP, but not cyclic AMP, signalling pathway.     

Cyclic GMP-dependent neurite outgrowth by genipin and nerve growth factor in PC12h cells

We have demonstrated previously that a natural iridoid compound, genipin, induced neuritogenesis through activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in PC12h cells. In this paper, we investigated whether cyclic GMP (cGMP) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) are involved in the neuritogenesis as a result of NOS activation. Furthermore, we also investigated the relationship between cGMP and MAPK activation in the signaling pathway. The genipin-induced neuritogenesis accompanied by induction of neurofilament was significantly inhibited by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) and KT5823, inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase and PKG, respectively. Genipin-induced MAPK phosphorylation was also abolished by ODQ. These inhibitory effects of ODQ were similar to those observed for nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth and MAPK phosphorylation. The membrane-permeable cGMP analog, 8-Bromo-cGMP, had prominent neuritogenic activity, which was completely inhibited by a MAPK kinase inhibitor, PD98059. These results suggest that the soluble guanylate cyclase-PKG signaling pathway is important for MAPK activation by genipin as well as NGF during neuritogenesis in PC12h cells.     

KMUP-1 activates BKCa channels in basilar artery myocytes via cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases

This study investigated whether KMUP-1, a synthetic xanthine-based derivative, augments the delayed-rectifier potassium (K(DR))- or large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (BKCa) channel activity in rat basilar arteries through protein kinase-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Cerebral smooth muscle cells were enzymatically dissociated from rat basilar arteries. Conventional whole cell, perforated and inside-out patch-clamp electrophysiology was used to monitor K+- and Ca2+ channel activities. KMUP-1 (1 microM) had no effect on the K(DR) current but dramatically enhanced BKCa channel activity. This increased BKCa current activity was abolished by charybdotoxin (100 nM) and iberiotoxin (100 nM). Like KMUP-1, the membrane-permeable analogs of cGMP (8-Br-cGMP) and cAMP (8-Br-cAMP) enhanced the BKCa current. BKCa current activation by KMUP-1 was markedly inhibited by a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ 10 microM), an adenylate cyclase inhibitor (SQ 22536 10 microM), competitive antagonists of cGMP and cAMP (Rp-cGMP, 100 microM and Rp-cAMP, 100 microM), and cGMP- and cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitors (KT5823, 300 nM and KT5720, 300 nM). Voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ current was significantly suppressed by KMUP-1 (1 microM), and nearly abolished by a calcium channel blocker (nifedipine, 1 microM). In conclusion, KMUP-1 stimulates BKCa currents by enhancing the activity of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and in part this is due to increasing cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Physiologically, this activation would result in the closure of voltage-dependent calcium channels and the relaxation of cerebral arteries.     

Activation of BKCa channels via cyclic AMP- and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinases by eugenosedin-A in rat basilar artery myocytes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The study investigated whether eugenosedin-A, a 5-hydroxytryptamine and alpha/beta adrenoceptor antagonist, enhanced delayed-rectifier potassium (K(DR))- or large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (BK(Ca))-channel activity in basilar artery myocytes through cyclic AMP/GMP-dependent and -independent protein kinases. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Cerebral smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were enzymatically dissociated from rat basilar arteries. Conventional whole cell, perforated and inside-out patch-clamp electrophysiology was used to monitor K(+)- and Ca(2+)-channel activities. KEY RESULTS: Eugenosedin-A (1 microM) did not affect the K(DR) current but dramatically augmented BK(Ca) channel activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Increased BK(Ca) current was abolished by charybdotoxin (ChTX, 0.1 microM) or iberiotoxin (IbTX, 0.1 microM), but not affected by a small-conductance K(Ca) blocker (apamin, 100 microM). BK(Ca) current activation by eugenosedin-A was significantly inhibited by an adenylate cyclase inhibitor (SQ 22536, 10 microM), a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ, 10 microM), competitive antagonists of cAMP and cGMP (Rp-cAMP, 100 microM and Rp-cGMP, 100 microM), and cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitors (KT5720, 0.3 microM and KT5823, 0.3 microM). Eugenosedin-A reversed the inhibition of BK(Ca) current induced by the protein kinase C activator, phorbol myristyl acetate (PMA, 0.1 microM). Eugenosedin-A also prevented BK(Ca) current inhibition induced by adding PMA, KT5720 and KT5823. Moreover, eugenosedin-A reduced the amplitude of voltage-dependent L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca,L)), but without modifying the voltage-dependence of the current. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Eugenosedin-A enhanced BK(Ca) currents by stimulating the activity of cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases. Physiologically, this activation would result in the closure of voltage-dependent calcium channels and thereby relax cerebral SMCs.     

Cyclic GMP-independent relaxation of rat pulmonary artery by spermine NONOate, a diazeniumdiolate nitric oxide donor

In rat pulmonary artery pre-contracted with phenylephrine, the mechanisms of relaxation to the nitric oxide (NO) donor, spermine NONOate, were investigated. Responses to spermine NONOate were only partially blocked by the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, ODQ (1H:-[1,2,4]Oxadiazolo-[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one) at concentrations up to 30 microM. Ten microM ODQ gave maximal inhibition. Endothelium removal had no effect on the potency of spermine NONOate or its inhibition by ODQ. The protein kinase G inhibitor, Rp-8-Br-cGMPS (100 microM), caused minimal inhibition of spermine NONOate despite causing marked inhibition of glyceryl trinitrate and isosorbide dinitrate. Spermine NONOate (100 microM) caused a 35 fold increase in guanosine 3'5' cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) above basal levels in pulmonary artery rings. ODQ (3 microM) abolished this cyclic GMP production but did not inhibit corresponding relaxant responses. Similar results were seen with another NONOate (MAHMA NONOate; 10 microM). ODQ-resistant relaxation to spermine NONOate (i. e. relaxation seen in the presence of 10 microM ODQ) was inhibited by potassium (80 mM), charybdotoxin (300 nM), iberiotoxin (300 nM), apamin (100 nM), ouabain (1 mM) or thapsigargin (100 nM) but not by 4-aminopyridine (3 mM), glybenclamide (10 microM) or diltiazem (10 microM). Potassium, charybdotoxin, ouabain and thapsigargin also inhibited ODQ-resistant relaxation to FK409 ((+/-)-E:-4-ethyl-2-[E:-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexenamide). We conclude that, on rat pulmonary artery, spermine NONOate can produce cyclic GMP-independent relaxation that involves, at least in part, activation of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and calcium-activated potassium channels.     

Vascular smooth muscle relaxation mediated by nitric oxide donors: a comparison with acetylcholine, nitric oxide and nitroxyl ion

1. Vasorelaxant properties of three nitric oxide (NO) donor drugs (glyceryl trinitrate, sodium nitroprusside and spermine NONOate) in mouse aorta (phenylephrine pre-contracted) were compared with those of endothelium-derived NO (generated with acetylcholine), NO free radical (NO*; NO gas solution) and nitroxyl ion (NO(-); from Angeli's salt). 2. The soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, ODQ (1H-(1,2,4-)oxadiazolo(4,3-a)-quinoxalin-1-one; 0.3, 1 and 10 microM), concentration-dependently inhibited responses to all agents. 10 microM ODQ abolished responses to acetylcholine and glyceryl trinitrate, almost abolished responses to sodium nitroprusside but produced parallel shifts (to a higher concentration range; no depression in maxima) in the concentration-response curves for NO gas solution, Angeli's salt and spermine NONOate. 3. The NO* scavengers, carboxy-PTIO, (2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-imidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide; 100 microM) and hydroxocobalamin (100 microM), both inhibited responses to NO gas solution and to the three NO donor drugs, but not Angeli's salt. Hydroxocobalamin, but not carboxy-PTIO, also inhibited responses to acetylcholine. 4. The NO(-) inhibitor, L-cysteine (3 mM), inhibited responses to Angeli's salt, acetylcholine and the three NO donor drugs, but not NO gas solution. 5. The data suggest that, in mouse aorta, responses to all three NO donors involve (i) activation of soluble guanylate cyclase, but to differing degrees and (ii) generation of both NO* and NO(-). Glyceryl trinitrate and sodium nitroprusside, which generate NO following tissue bioactivation, have profiles resembling the profile of endothelium-derived NO more than that of exogenous NO. Spermine NONOate, which generates NO spontaneously outside the tissue, was the drug that most closely resembled (but was not identical to) exogenous NO.     

Effect of chronic administration of a CRF(1) receptor antagonist,CRA1000, on locomotor activity and endocrine responses to stress

1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) is an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase and has been reported to inhibit dilation of cerebral blood vessels by hypercapnia. This supports the hypothesis that this dilation is dependent upon guanylate cyclase, activated by nitric oxide (NO) released from neural tissue. However, there are conflicting reports concerning the role of guanylate cyclase in response to hypercapnia. Therefore, we tested the effect of topically applied ODQ (10 microM) on rat pial arterioles observed with a microscope through a closed cranial window. In one study, we tested ODQ ability to inhibit both the dilation produced by hypercapnia (3% and 5% inspired CO(2)) and, in the same rats, the dilation produced by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). In another experiment, we tested the ability of ODQ to inhibit dilation produced by hypercapnia and the dilation produced by 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a donor of NO. The responses to NMDA and to NO are known to depend upon activation of guanylate cyclase and were both blocked in the present study. However, the response to hypercapnia was not affected. These findings provide evidence that hypercapnic dilation can occur independently of guanylate cyclase activation.     

Involvement of soluble guanylate cyclase and calcium-activated potassium channels in the long-lasting hyporesponsiveness to phenylephrine induced by nitric oxide in rat aorta

Excessive nitric oxide (NO) production by inducible NO synthase has been implicated in the hyporesponsiveness to vasoconstrictors present in septic shock. Here we show that a brief incubation (30 min) of rat aorta rings with NO donors renders the vessels hyporesponsive to phenylephrine for several hours. Contraction of rings without endothelium by phenylephrine (0.1 nM to 100 microM) was decreased by 50-60% after incubation (30 min) with sodium nitroprusside (3-300 microM) or S-nitroso-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP; 70-200 microM). This decrease was characterized by reductions in maximal response and rightwards shifts of phenylephrine concentration/response curves, present even 130 min after NO donor removal. Soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitors methylene blue ( 10 microM) and 1H-(1,2,4)-oxadiazol-(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 1 microM) or the potassium channel blockers TEA (tetraethylammonium; 10 mM) and charybdotoxin (100 nM) inhibited the hyporesponsiveness to phenylephrine induced by the NO donors. In contrast, 4-aminopyridine (1 mM) and glibenclamide (10 microM) had no effect. Our results show that incubation with NO donors reproduces the hyporesponsiveness to phenylephrine and that NO alone accounts for most, if not all, the refractoriness to vasoconstrictors present in septic shock. In addition, soluble guanylate cyclase activation and opening of potassium channels, more specifically the calcium-activated subtype, play a predominant role in this NO-induced hyporesponsiveness to phenylephrine in the rat aorta.     

Sildenafil stimulates the expression of gaseous monoxide-generating enzymes in vascular smooth muscle cells via distinct signaling pathways

Sildenafil is a cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor that augments cGMP accumulation following the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). In this study, we investigated whether sildenafil promotes the production of the sGC-stimulatory gases, carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, by stimulating the expression of the inducible isoforms of heme oxygenase (HO-1) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Sildenafil increased HO-1 expression and potentiated cytokine-mediated expression of iNOS and NO synthesis by SMCs. The induction of HO-1 was unaffected by the sGC inhibitor 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo[4,3-α]quinozalin-1-one (ODQ) or the protein kinase G inhibitor (8R,9S,11S)-(-)-2-methyl-9-methoxyl-9-methoxycarbonyl-8-methyl-2,3,9,10-tetrahydro-8,11-epoxy-1H,8H,11H-2,7b,11a-triazadibenzo(a,g)cyclocta9(cde)trinen-1-one (KT 5823). However, the sildenafil-mediated increase in HO-1 promoter activity was abolished by mutating the antioxidant responsive elements in the promoter or by overexpressing a dominant-negative mutant of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, the induction of HO-1 by sildenafil was accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and blocked by N-acetyl-l-cysteine and rotenone. In contrast, the enhancement of cytokine-stimulated NO synthesis by sildenafil was prevented by ODQ and the protein kinase A inhibitor (9S,10S,12R)-2,3,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-10-hydroxy-9-methyl-1-oxo-9,12-epoxy-1H-diindolo(1,2,3-fg:3',2',1'-kl)pyrrolo(3,4-i)(1,6)benzodiazocine-10-carboxylic acid hexyl ester (KT 5720) and duplicated by lipophilic analogs of cGMP. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that sildenafil stimulates the expression of HO-1 and iNOS via the ROS-Nrf2 and sGC-cGMP pathway, respectively. The ability of sildenafil to block the catabolism of cGMP while stimulating the synthesis of sGC-stimulatory gaseous monoxides through the induction of HO-1 and iNOS provides a potent mechanism by which cGMP-dependent vascular actions of this drug are amplified.     

Nitric Oxide-mediated Relaxation by High K in Human Gastric Longitudinal Smooth Muscle

This study was designed to elucidate high-K(+)induced response of circular and longitudinal smooth muscle from human gastric corpus using isometric contraction. Contraction from circular and longitudinal muscle stripes of gastric corpus greater curvature and lesser curvature were compared. Circular smooth muscle from corpus greater curvature showed high K(+) (50 mM)-induced tonic contraction. On the contrary, however, longitudinal smooth muscle strips showed high K(+) (50 mM)-induced sustained relaxation. To find out the reason for the discrepancy we tested several relaxation mechanisms. Protein kinase blockers like KT5720, PKA inhibitor, and KT5823, PKG inhibitor, did not affect high K(+)-induced relaxation. K(+) channel blockers like tetraethylammonium (TEA), apamin (APA), glibenclamide (Glib) and barium (Ba(2+)) also had no effect. However, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) and 1H-(1,2,4) oxadiazolo (4,3-A) quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and 4-AP (4-aminopyridine), voltage-dependent K(+) channel (K(V)) blocker, inhibited high K(+)-induced relaxation, hence reversing to tonic contraction. High K(+)-induced relaxation was observed in gastric corpus of human stomach, but only in the longitudinal muscles from greater curvature not lesser curvature. L-NNA, ODQ and K(V) channel blocker sensitive high K(+)-induced relaxation in longitudinal muscle of higher portion of corpus was also observed. These results suggest that longitudinal smooth muscle from greater curvature of gastric corpus produced high K(+)-induced relaxation which was activated by NO/sGC pathway and by K(V) channel dependent mechanism.     

YC-1 increases cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression through protein kinase G- and p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent pathways in A549 cells

YC-1, an activator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), has been shown to increase the intracellular cGMP concentration. This study was designed to investigate the signaling pathway involved in the YC-1-induced COX-2 expression in A549 cells. YC-1 caused a concentration- and time-dependent increase in COX activity and COX-2 expression in A549 cells. Pretreatment of the cells with the sGC inhibitor (ODQ), the protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor (KT-5823), and the PKC inhibitors (Go 6976 and GF10923X), attenuated the YC-1-induced increase in COX activity and COX-2 expression. Exposure of A549 cells to YC-1 caused an increase in PKC activity; this effect was inhibited by ODQ, KT-5823 or Go 6976. Western blot analyses showed that PKC-alpha, -iota, -lambda, -zeta and -mu isoforms were detected in A549 cells. Treatment of A549 cells with YC-1 or PMA caused a translocation of PKC-alpha, but not other isoforms, from the cytosol to the membrane fraction. Long-term (24 h) treatment of A549 cells with PMA down-regulated the PKC-alpha. The MEK inhibitor, PD 98059 (10 - 50 microM), concentration-dependently attenuated the YC-1-induced increases in COX activity and COX-2 expression. Treatment of A549 cells with YC-1 caused an activation of p44/42 MAPK; this effect was inhibited by KT-5823, Go 6976, long-term (24 h) PMA treatment or PD98059, but not the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB 203580. These results indicate that in human pulmonary epithelial cells, YC-1 might activate PKG through an upstream sGC/cGMP pathway to elicit PKC-alpha activation, which in turn, initiates p44/42 MAPK activation, and finally induces COX-2 expression.     

YC-1 stimulates the expression of gaseous monoxide-generating enzymes in vascular smooth muscle cells

The benzylindazole derivative 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1) is an allosteric stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) that sensitizes the enzyme to the gaseous ligands carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO). In this study, we examined whether YC-1 also promotes the production of these gaseous monoxides by stimulating the expression of the inducible isoforms of heme oxygenase (HO-1) and NO synthase (iNOS) in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). YC-1 increased HO-1 mRNA, protein, and promoter activity and potentiated cytokine-mediated expression of iNOS protein and NO synthesis by SMCs. The induction of HO-1 by YC-1 was unchanged by the sGC inhibitor, 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo[4,3-alpha]quinozalin-1-one (ODQ) or by the protein kinase G inhibitors (8R,9S,11S)-(-)-2-methyl-9-methoxyl-9-methoxycarbonyl-8-methyl-2,3,9,10-tetrahydro-8,11-epoxy-1H,8H,11H-2,7b,11a-triazadibenzo(a,g)cyclocta9(cde)trinen-1-one (KT 5823) and YGRKKRRQRRRPPLRKKKKKH-amide (DT-2) and was not duplicated by 8-bromo-cGMP or the NO-independent sGC stimulator 5-cyclopropyl-2[1-(2-fluorobenzyl)-1H-pyrazolo [3,4-b] pyridine-3-yl] pyrimidin-4-ylamine (BAY 41-2272). However, the YC-1-mediated induction of HO-1 was inhibited by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors wortmannin and 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-1(4H)-benzopyran-4-one hydrochloride (LY294002). In contrast, the enhancement of cytokine-stimulated iNOS expression and NO production by YC-1 was prevented by ODQ and the protein kinase A inhibitor (9S,10S, 12R)-2,3,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-10-hydroxy-9-methyl-1-oxo-9, 12-epoxy-1H-diindolo(1,2,3-fg:3',2',1'-kl)pyrrolo(3,4-i)(1,6)-benzodiazocine-10-carboxylic acid hexyl ester (KT 5720) and was mimicked by 8-bromo-cGMP and BAY 41-2272. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that YC-1 stimulates the expression of HO-1 and iNOS in vascular SMCs via the PI3K and sGC-cGMP-protein kinase A pathway, respectively. The ability of YC-1 to sensitize sGC to gaseous monoxides and simultaneously stimulate their production through the induction of HO-1 and iNOS provides a potent mechanism by which the cGMP-dependent and -independent biological actions of this agent are amplified.     

Nitric oxide-mediated modulation of the endothelin-1 signalling pathway in the human cardiovascular system

1. We studied the ability of nitric oxide (NO) to physiologically antagonize endothelin-1 (ET-1) induced constrictions in human internal mammary artery (IMA). We also investigated the hypothesis that NO interacts directly with ET-receptor binding in human heart and aorta. 2. ET-1 potently contracted IMA (EC(50) 6.86 nM, 95% CI: 3.5 - 13.4 nM; n=12). The constrictor response to 10 nM ET-1 was fully reversed by the NO-donor diethylamine NONOate (DEA/NO; EC(50) 2.0 microM, 95% CI: 0.8 - 4.8 microM; n=5). The guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ (100 microM) reduced the response to DEA/NO but did not abolish it (E(MAX) 50.9+/-8.5% in the presence of ODQ; 113.0+/-8.4%, control). 3. The increase in cyclic GMP by 30 microM DEA/NO was abolished in the presence of 100 microM ODQ (n=6). 4. In saturation binding experiments the NO-donor Diethyltriamine NONOate (DETA/NO; 1 mM) caused a 90% reduction in maximum binding of [(125)I]-ET-1 in human heart, without affecting the affinity. This reduction in binding was abolished by haemoglobin. Pre-incubating either the radiolabel or the tissue with NO-donors did not reduce binding. A similar effect was observed in aortic smooth muscle. 5. We have shown that DEA/NO is able to reverse ET-1-induced contractions in the human vasculature. The binding studies suggest a direct interaction between NO and the ET receptor or receptor-ligand complex in human ventricular and aortic tissue. NO is released continuously in vivo, thus this apparent modification of ET-receptor binding may provide an additional mechanism by which NO counter-balances the effects of ET.     

Inhibition by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) of responses to nitric oxide-donors in rat pulmonary artery: influence of the mechanism of nitric oxide generation

ODQ, (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase) inhibits vasorelaxant responses to nitric oxide (NO)-donor drugs, but the extent of the inhibition varies depending on the NO donor studied. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that these variations in the effects of ODQ reflect differences in the mechanisms whereby each NO donor generates NO. On pulmonary artery preparations pre-contracted submaximally with phenylephrine, ODQ (3 microM) almost abolished the relaxant responses to glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide dinitrate and nitroprusside; each of these drugs requires activation in the tissue (by enzymes or reducing agents) to generate NO. In contrast, ODQ (3 microM) caused a parallel shift in the concentration-relaxation curves to linsidomine (SIN-1), FK409, MAHMA NONOate and spermine NONOate (1.63 to 2.54 log units) with no depression in maximum response; each of these NO donors generates NO in the physiological bathing solution without requiring tissue activation. For the four drugs in this group, the effects of 10 microM ODQ were not significantly greater than the effects of 3 microM ODQ; thus there was an ODQ-resistant component to the response suggesting that part of the response involved a mechanism that was independent of soluble guanylate cyclase. NO donors that require tissue activation probably generate NO within the smooth-muscle cell, whereas those that do not require tissue activation generate NO outside the cell. Hence it is concluded that the site of NO generation (intra- or extracellular) might determine whether or not there is an ODQ-resistant component in the relaxation response.