Prolonged bleeding time during nitric oxide inhalation in the rabbit

During a study on the modulatory effect of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) on the airway, we observed an increased bleeding tendency. Therefore, we studied bleeding time and blood rheology in rabbits during inhalation of 3, 30 and 300 parts per million (ppm) NO. The rabbits were intubated during neurolept anaesthesia and were ventilated mechanically. The bleeding time was significantly increased after 15 min of inhalation of 30 ppm NO, from 51 + 5 to 72 + 7 s (mean + SEM, P < 0.001, n= 7). However, there were no changes in haematocrit, whole blood or plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation tendency, or erythrocyte deformability. Inhalation of 3 ppm NO increased bleeding time from 46+11 to 59 + 8 s (n.s., n= 4) and 300 ppm NO from 48 + 12 to 78 + 17s(P<0.05, n= 4). In another group of rabbits mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored using NO inhalation. A non-significant decrease was seen with 3 ppm and 30 ppm NO, from 63 + 2 to 59 + 3 mmHg (n= 6) and from 65 + 2 to 61 + 1 mmHg (n= 6) respectively. Inhalation with 300 ppm NO decreased MAP from 62 + 3 to 55 + 2 mmHg (P < 0.05, n= 6). We conclude from these data that inhalation of NO, 30 ppm or more exerts systemic effects.     

Nitric oxide and GABA mediate bi-directional cardiovascular effects of orexin in the nucleus tractus solitarii of rats

The present study investigated the cardiovascular effects of orexin (OX)-A and OX-B in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and delineated the engagement of nitric oxide (NO) and GABA in OX-induced cardiovascular responses. In adult male Sprague-Dawley rats maintained under propofol anesthesia, microinjection bilaterally into the NTS of OX-A or OX-B evoked bi-directional cardiovascular effects in a dose-dependent manner. At a lower dose (5 pmol), OX-A or OX-B decreased systemic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), and power density of the vasomotor components of SAP signals, our experimental index for sympathetic neurogenic vasomotor tone. At higher doses (>20 pmol), these two compounds elicited cardiovascular excitatory responses. These bi-directional cardiovascular effects of OX were abolished by co-injection of an OX(1) receptor antagonist, 1-(2-methylbenzoxazol-6-yl)-3-[1,5]naphthyridin-4-yl-urea hydrochloride (SB-334867, 0.75 nmol) or the OX(2) receptor antiserum (1:20). In addition, the vasodepressor effects of low dose (5 pmol) OX-A or OX-B in the NTS were attenuated by a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 5 nmol), a neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (2.5 pmol) or the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (250 pmol). The vasopressor effects of high dose (200 pmol) OX were reversed by co-administration with GABA(A) or GABA(B) receptor antagonist, bicuculline methiodine (10 pmol) or 2-hydroxy saclofen (100 pmol), or l-NAME (5 nmol). Our results indicate that OX-A or OX-B elicited bi-directional cardiovascular effects via OX receptor-dependent mechanisms. The vasodepressor effects of OX were induced by the nNOS-derived NO and activation of sGC-associated signaling pathway, whereas the vasopressor effects were mediated by interaction with GABAergic or nitrergic neurotransmission in the NTS.     

Blood pressure control in eNOS knock‐out mice: comparison with other species under NO blockade

Changes in arterial blood pressure (ABP) lead to changes in vascular shear stress. This mechanical stimulus increases cytosolic Ca²⁺ in endothelial cells, which in turn activates the endothelial isoform of the nitric oxide synthase. The subsequently formed NO reaches the adjacent vascular smooth muscle cells, where it reduces vascular resistance in order to maintain ABP at its initial level. Thus, NO may play an important role as a physiological blood pressure buffer. Previous data on the importance of eNOS for blood pressure control are reviewed with special emphasis on the fact that endogenous nitric oxide can buffer blood pressure variability (BPV) in dogs, rats and mice. In previous studies where all isoforms of the nitric oxide synthase were blocked pharmacologically, increases in blood pressure and variability were observed. Thus, we set out to clarify which isoform of the nitric oxide synthase is responsible for this BPV controlling effect. Hence, blood pressure control was studied in knock‐out mice lacking specifically the gene for endothelial nitric oxide synthase with their respective wild‐type controls. One day after surgery, under resting conditions, blood pressure was increased by 47 mmHg (P < 0.05), heart rate was lower (?77 beats min^?1, P < 0.05), and BPV doubled (P < 0.05). Based on these results, we conclude that chronic blood pressure levels are influenced by eNOS and that there is a blood pressure buffering effect of endogenous nitric oxide which is mediated by the endothelial isoform of the nitric oxide synthase.     

Nitric oxide and the role of blood pressure variability to the kidney

Blood pressure variability is buffered by at least two mechanisms: the arterial baroreceptor reflex and nitric oxide (NO). Only recently is the importance of blood pressure variations on cardiovascular control being investigated. Here we report of a study performed in conscious dogs, in which renovascular hypertension was induced. Reduction of renal arterial pressure (RAP) to 85 mmHg for 24 h elicited profound hypertension by 60 mmHg (vs. control: 110 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.01). This was accompanied by reduced volume and sodium excretion (–48% of control, P < 0.01 and –80% of control, P < 0.01, respectively) and augmented renin release by more than two‐fold (P < 0.01). This intervention was compared with a protocol in which RAP was reduced to the same mean value, however, RAP oscillated by ±10 mmHg at 0.1 Hz. This manoeuvre led to a transient increase in NO₃ excretion in urine (P < 0.01), blunted antidiuresis (–14% of control) as well as antinatriuresis (–40% of control) and attenuated the increased renin release by 30% (P < 0.05). In consequence, the magnitude of blood pressure increase was only half as high as that observed during static reduction of RAP (P < 0.01). It is concluded that blood pressure oscillations to the kidney have a profound influence on water and electrolyte balance and on renin release, which alleviates the onset of Goldblatt hypertension.     

大鼠急性脑缺血再灌注NO含量和NOS活性变化的实验研究

目的探讨一氧化氮和一氧化氮合酶是否参与了急性脑缺血再灌注的发病机制。方法采用栓线法复制大鼠大脑中动脉阻塞模型，观察血清及脑组织NO含量和NOS活性的变化。结果脑缺血45min再灌注2h后血清及脑组织中NO含量及NOS活性增加，再灌注8h达高峰。结论NO及NOS在急性脑缺血再灌注的过程中起着重要的作用。     

Role of Endothelium-Dependent Mechanism in Formation of Systemic Hemodynamic Responses to Hypervolemia

Blockade of NO synthesis in anesthetized rats significantly potentiated pressor responses to Polyglucin (by 70%) and considerably increased total peripheral resistance. It was concluded that vasodilatation induced by increased systemic blood flow (cardiac output) modulates pressor responses under conditions of increased blood volume.     

Nitric oxide (NO) in expired air at rest and during exercise

Nitric oxide (NO) was analysed in expired air from 27 healthy human subjects. At rest the NO concentration was 10.5 ± 0.9 ng 1^-1 (mean ± SEM) corresponding to 8.6 ± 0.7 parts per billion (ppb). The expired NO concentration did not change when the subjects were switched from breathing NO-free tank gas to room air which contained 7.7 ng 1^-1 NO. Repeated measurements of expired NO with an interval of 1 day showed a mean variation of 2.2 ± 0.7ngl^-1 NO. The NO concentration in the first portion in the expired tidal volume (44%) was insignificantly higher than in the latter expired portion, 6.9 ± 1.9 vs. 5.1 ± 1.0 ng 1^-1 (n= 5). During moderately heavy exercise on an ergometer bicycle (90 W for women, n= 4, 150 W for men, n= 4) the expired concentration of NO decreased, however because of increased minute ventilation, the expired amount of NO almost doubled (from 111 ± 12 to 209 ± 30 ng min^-1). The source of the expired NO is not clear and both the airways and the pulmonary circulation may contribute.     

Respiratory modulation of cardiovascular rhythms before and after short-duration human spaceflight

Aim: Astronauts commonly return from space with altered short‐term cardiovascular dynamics and blunted baroreflex sensitivity. Although many studies have addressed this issue, post‐flight effects on the dynamic circulatory control remain incompletely understood. It is not clear how long the cardiovascular system needs to recover from spaceflight as most post‐flight investigations only extended between a few days and 2 weeks. Methods: In this study, we examined the effect of short‐duration spaceflight (1–2 weeks) on respiratory‐mediated cardiovascular rhythms in five cosmonauts. Two paced‐breathing protocols at 6 and 12 breaths min^?1 were performed in the standing and supine positions before spaceflight, and after 1 and 25 days upon return. Dynamic baroreflex function was evaluated by transfer function analysis between systolic pressure and the RR intervals. Results: Post‐flight orthostatic blood pressure control was preserved in all cosmonauts. In the standing position after spaceflight there was an increase in heart rate (HR) of approx. 20 beats min^?1 or more. Averaged for all five cosmonauts, respiratory sinus dysrhythmia and transfer gain reduced to 40% the day after landing, and had returned to pre‐flight levels after 25 days. Low‐frequency gain decreased from 6.6 (3.4) [mean (SD)] pre‐flight to 3.9 (1.6) post‐flight and returned to 5.7 (1.3) ms mmHg^?1 after 25 days upon return to Earth. Unlike alterations in the modulation of HR, blood pressure dynamics were not significantly different between pre‐ and post‐flight sessions. Conclusion: Our results indicate that short‐duration spaceflight reduces respiratory modulation of HR and decreases cardiac baroreflex gain without affecting post‐flight arterial blood pressure dynamics. Altered respiratory modulation of human autonomic rhythms does not persist until 25 days upon return to Earth.     

Effects of long‐term inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase on blood pressure and renin release

Nitric oxide (NO) produced by neuronal NO‐synthase (nNOS) in macula densa cells may be involved in the control of renin release. 7‐Nitro indazole (7‐NI) inhibits nNOS, and we investigated the effect of short‐ (4 days) and long‐term (4 weeks) 7‐NI treatment on blood pressure (BP), plasma renin concentration (PRC) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in rats on different salt diets. Rats were divided into three groups and given low‐salt (LS), normal (C) and high‐salt (HS) diets. Each diet group was subdivided into two groups treated either with 7‐NI or vehicle. Long‐term 7‐NI‐treated rats (LS and C) showed increased BP compared with controls (LS: 149 ± 4 vs. 133 ± 3; C: 146 ± 4 vs. 127 ± 4 mmHg). Blood pressure in HS rats did not differ from that in controls. Plasma renin concentration was stimulated in LS‐rats (251 ± 64 mGU mL^–1) compared with C and HS rats (42 ± 8 and 39 ± 5 mGU mL^–1, respectively) but was not significantly affected by chronic 7‐NI treatment (350 ± 103, 49 ± 10 and 50 ± 15 mGU mL^–1 in LS, C and HS, respectively). In rats treated with 7‐NI for 4 days, no effect on BP was seen, but PRC was increased in 7‐NI treated LS rats compared with vehicle treated LS rats (107 ± 15 vs. 56 ± 1 mGU mL^–1). Stimulation of PRC in LS rats was further enhanced by 7‐NI after 4 days of treatment, but not affected in rats treated for 4 weeks. This suggests that inhibition of nNOS stimulates renin release but that this stimulatory effect in the long run might be depressed by the increase in blood pressure.     

The differential effects of oestrogens and progestins on vascular tone.

The purpose of this paper is to present reported findings of the effects of ovarian steroids on vascular tone. The medical literature was reviewed for relevant contributions. Oestrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women is associated with a reduction in mortality from coronary artery disease. Many different cellular actions have been described which help explain the cardioprotective effects of oestrogens, and among these are effects on vascular tone. Oestrogens induce vasodilation through mechanisms involving the arterial endothelium and through endothelial-independent actions. Progestins have varying effects on arterial tone, including induction of vascular smooth muscle relaxation as well as induction of smooth muscle constriction. The effects of oestrogens and progestins on vascular tone are clinically meaningful. Pathophysiological arterial conditions, including angina pectoris and migraine headaches, have been associated with oestradiol deficiency and improvement has been associated with oestradiol replacement. Women with coronary artery disease show improved arterial vasodilator responses after oestradiol treatment which can be reduced by the addition of progestin treatment. Androgens are also vasoactive. Study of the effects of ovarian hormones on vascular tone has become an important area for basic and clinical research.     

Partitioning of exhaled NO in ventilated patients undergoing cardiac surgery

The change in exhaled NO after cardio-pulmonary bypass remains controversial. The aims were to determine whether exhaled NO sources (alveolar or bronchial) are modified after bypass, and whether mechanical ventilation (MV) settings during bypass modify exhaled NO changes.     

Nitric oxide synthesis is increased in the endometrial tissue of women with endometriosis

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that peritoneal macrophages from women with endometriosis produce excess nitric oxide (NO). This study was designed to quantify the amount of NO and determine the expression of endothelial (eNOS) and inducible NO synthases (iNOS) in women with and without endometriosis. METHODS: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed on endometrial tissues obtained from controls (myoma, n = 30) and on eutopic/ectopic endometrial tissues from endometriosis patients (n = 34) to evaluate eNOS and iNOS protein concentrations in these endometrial tissues. A rapid-response chemiluminescence analyser was used to measure NO directly in fresh endometrial tissues. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SEM) levels of NO were significantly increased in the endometrial tissues of women with endometriosis (13.2 +/- 7.8 versus 19.8 +/- 12.6 nmol/g tissue; P = 0.016). Apparently higher levels of NO were found in ectopic compared with eutopic endometrium (P = 0.057). Endometrial tissues of women with endometriosis appeared to contain more iNOS than those of controls (3.6 +/- 2.2 versus 8.6 +/- 12.2 pg/ microg protein; P = 0.06), but no significant difference was found in eNOS levels. CONCLUSIONS: Greater amounts of NO and NOS are present in the endometrial tissues of women with endometriosis, implying a possible role for NO in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.     

Importance of nitric oxide in hepatic arterial blood flow and total hepatic blood volume regulation in pigs

The importance of nitric oxide in regulating basal arterial blood flow has been examined in several different vascular beds by intra-arterial infusion of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthesis, but not in the arterial vascular bed of the liver. In the present study, N^G-nitro-L -arginine (L -NNA), in a dose of 0.5 and 1.0 μmol mL^?1 of hepatic arterial blood flow, was infused for 5 min into the hepatic artery in seven pigs anaesthetized with pentobarbital sodium. The haemodynamic effects observed by the first infusion were not further enhanced by the second infusion. Hepatic arterial resistance increased by 143 ± 38% and hepatic arterial blood flow declined by 38 ± 10%. A systemic effect due to `spillover' was observed, as evidenced by an increase in mean aortic blood pressure of 24 ± 4 mmHg. However, no significant increase in arterial mesenteric resistance was observed and total liver blood flow remained unchanged. Hepatic arterial vasodilation in response to occlusion of the portal vein, the arterial buffer response, remained intact after inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis. Liver lobe thickness, measured by an ultrasonic technique,was not found to change with inhibition of arterial nitric oxide synthesis, excluding a significant direct effect of arterial nitric oxide on liver capacitance. In conclusion, nitric oxide is an important regulator of hepatic arterial resistance, but does not mediate the hepatic arterial buffer response and was not found to play any significant role in total hepatic capacitance regulation.     

侧脑室内注射3,4-二羟基苯甲醛对大鼠肺动脉压和体动脉压的影响

探讨3，4－二羟基苯甲醛降低大鼠肺动脉压（PPA）和体动脉压（PBA）的作用及机制。以PPA和PBA为指标，在氨基甲酸乙酯麻醉、三碘季胺酚制动、呼吸机控制呼吸的SD大鼠上观察3，4－二羟基苯甲醛对大鼠PPA和PBA的影响，连续观察30minPPA和PBA曲线变化，并与对照组和生理水组比较。给药后大鼠PPA和PBA明显降低，其中PPA在10－15min达最低值，PBA在5－10min降至最低值，与对照组和生理盐水组比较差异显著（P＜0．01）。3，4－二羟基苯甲醛有明显降低大鼠PPA和PBA的作用。侧脑室预先注射β－受体阻断剂普萘洛尔可部分阻断3，4－二羟基苯甲醛的降压效应。推测3，4－二羟基苯甲醛降低PPA和PBA的作用可能部分由脑内β－受体所介导。     

Constitutive nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and house dust mite respiratory allergy in an Algerian patient group

Genetic polymorphisms in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) and calmodulin-dependent endothelial NOS (NOS3) genes are known to influence the course of allergic respiratory disorders. We investigated the role of NOS1 -84 G-->A and NOS3 -786 T-->C, 894 G-->T and 27 base pair (bp) repeat polymorphisms in 125 patients suffering from asthma and/or rhinitis and monosensitized against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpter) and 111 controls from Algeria. We found a higher frequency of the -786 C NOS3 allele in patients than in controls [corrected P value (Pc) = 0.04], especially in female cases (Pc = 0.02) and that the 'ab' genotype of the 27-bp polymorphism was significantly associated with specific immunoglobulin E production against Dpter (P = 0.006). This study brings further support for the participation of NOS3 gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of respiratory allergic disorders.     

The expression and activity of renal nitric oxide synthase and circulating nitric oxide in polycystic kidney disease rats

Nitric oxide (NO) influences tubular fluid and electrolyte transport, and hence possibly also fluid accumulation in renal cysts. The expression and activity of intrarenal constitutive NO synthase (cNOS) [neuronal NOS, nNOS and endothelial NOS, eNOS] and inducible NOS (iNOS) and plasma nitrite/nitrate (PNOx) concentration were assessed in homozygous Han:SPRD polycystic kidney disease (PKD) rats (cy/cy), heterozygous Han:SPRD PKD rats (cy/+), homozygous normal Han:SPRD littermates (+/+) and Sprague Dawley rats (sd). The results showed: 1) nNOS expression was decreased in proximal tubules and thick ascending limbs of the loop of Henle in cy/cy and cy/+ rats compared to +/+ and sd rats (p<0.05). nNOS was weakly expressed in the epithelium of small cysts and unexpressed in epithelium of large cysts. 2) iNOS expression was increased in proximal tubular epithelial cells in cy/+ rats compared to +/+ rats and sd rats (p<0.01). iNOS expression in cyst epithelium was decreased in cy/+ rats (p<0.05) and absent in cy/cy rats. 3) eNOS expression was similar in the endothelium of intrarenal arteries in all groups. 4) The activity of renal cNOS was decreased in cy/cy and cy/+ rats; the activity of iNOS was decreased only in cy/cy rats, with no significant difference among the other three groups. 5) PNOx concentration was higher in cy/cy rats than in the other three groups, and correlated positively with plasma creatinine and urea. In conclusion, NOS expression and activity decreased as cysts developed, suggesting that NO downregulation is involved in the pathogenesis of PKD.     

NADPH-diaphorase activity and nitric oxide synthase isoforms in the trophoblast of Calomys callosus

The pattern of expression of a variety of placental nitric oxide synthase isoforms has contributed to elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis during gestation. The maintenance of vascular tone, attenuation of vasoconstriction, prevention of platelet and leukocyte adhesion to the trophoblast surface, and possible participation in uterine blood flow seem to be the main functions of NO generated at the fetal-maternal interface in humans and mice. Extending this knowledge to other rodent species commonly used as laboratory animals, in this study we focus on NADPH-diaphorase activity and the distribution of nitric oxide synthase isoforms (NOS) in the trophoblast cells of Calomys callosus during different phases of pregnancy. NADPH-diaphorase activity was evaluated cytochemically and the presence of NOS isoforms detected by immunohistochemistry. These techniques were performed on pre- and postimplantation embryos in situ and in vitro, as well as in placentae on d 14 and 18 of pregnancy. Neither NADPH-diaphorase activity nor inducible or endothelial NOS isoforms were found in pre-implanting embryos except after culturing for at least 48 h, when some of the embryonic cells were positive for the diaphorase reaction. On d 6·5 of pregnancy, trophoblast cells showed intense diaphorase activity both in situ and under in vitro conditions. A positive reaction was also found in the different placental trophoblast cells on d 14 and 18 of pregnancy. The inducible NOS (iNOS) isoform, but not the endothelial isoform, was immunodetected in trophoblast cells from the placenta and from postimplantation embryos in situ and under in vitro conditions. These results strongly suggest the production of NO by the iNOS isoform in the trophoblast of Calomys callosus after embryo implantation. The data also emphasise a possible role for the trophoblast in producing and releasing cytotoxic molecules at the fetal-maternal interface.