Up-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibits pulmonary leukocyte migration following lung ischemia-reperfusion in mice

Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is known to modulate post-ischemic inflammatory response in various organs. However, the role of nitric oxide synthase isoforms (NOS) in mediating pulmonary post-ischemic inflammatory response is poorly understood. We therefore studied post-ischemic endothelial adhesion molecule expression and leukocyte migration in endothelial NOS knockout (eNOS-KO) mice subjected to pulmonary ischemia and reperfusion in vivo. Under anesthesia and mechanical ventilation, the left pulmonary hilum in wild-type (WT) and eNOS-KO mice was clamped for 1 hour, followed by reperfusion for up to 24 hours. In WT mice, we observed a selective up-regulation of both eNOS mRNA and protein in lung tissue, while inducible NOS (iNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) remained unchanged. Survival in eNOS-KO mice was reduced due to severe pulmonary edema, underlining an increased susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Interstitial tissue infiltration by CD18- and CD11a-positive white blood cells as well as lung tissue water content peaked at 5 hours of reperfusion and were found significantly higher than in WT mice. Enhanced leukocyte-endothelial interaction was associated with pronounced up-regulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) in eNOS-KO mice during post-ischemic reperfusion. We conclude that eNOS attenuates post-ischemic inflammatory injury to the lung most probably via inhibition of endothelial adhesion molecule expression.     

Overexpression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in endothelial cells is protective against ischemia-reperfusion injury in mouse skeletal muscle

Microvascular injury has been proposed to be a main cause of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The roles of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived NO, a key regulator of vascular function, in I/R injury are incompletely understood. We used transgenic mice overexpressing eNOS in endothelial cells (eNOS-Tg) and their littermates wild-type mice (WT) to investigate the roles of eNOS in I/R injury in skeletal muscle. Superoxide levels in the affected muscles were reduced by approximately 50% in eNOS-Tg compared with WT during reperfusion. In WT, the disassembly of endothelial junctional proteins seen in the early period of reperfusion was recovered in the later phase. These findings were correlated with the increased vascular permeability in vivo. In contrast, eNOS-Tg maintained the endothelial junction assembly as well as vascular permeability during reperfusion. Leukocyte extravasation into tissue and up-regulated expression of adhesion molecules in the reperfused vessels were significantly inhibited in eNOS-Tg. Tissue viability of the affected muscle was decreased in WT time-dependently after reperfusion, whereas eNOS-Tg showed no significant reduction. NOS inhibition completely reversed these protective effects of eNOS overexpression in I/R injury. Thus, eNOS overexpression appears to prevent the I/R injury in skeletal muscle by maintaining vascular integrity.     

Type I epithelial cells are the main target of whole-body hypoxic preconditioning in the lung

Whole-body hypoxic preconditioning (WHPC) prolongs survival of mice exposed to severe hypoxia by attenuating pulmonary edema and preserving gas exchange. However, the cellular and molecular mechanism(s) of this protection remains unclear. The objective of this study was to identify the cellular target(s) of WHPC in the lung. Conscious mice were exposed to hypoxia (7% O(2)) for 6 hours with or without pretreatment of WHPC ([8% O(2)] x 10 min/[21% O(2)] x 10 min; 6 cycles). Hypoxia caused severe lung injury, as shown by the development of high-permeability-type pulmonary edema and the release of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase into the airspace and the circulation. All these signs of hypoxic lung injury were significantly attenuated by WHPC. Hypoxia also caused a remarkable release of type I cell markers (caveolin-2 and receptor for advanced glycation end products) in lung lavage that was almost completely abolished by WHPC. Conversely, hypoxia-induced release of type II cell markers (surfactant-associated proteins A and D) was only marginal, and was unaffected by WHPC. Electron microscopic analysis demonstrated considerable hypoxic damage in alveolar type I cells and vascular endothelial cells. Notably, WHPC completely eliminated hypoxic damage in the former and alleviated it in the latter. Type II cells appeared normal. Furthermore, WHPC up-regulated protein expression of cytoprotective genes in the lung, such as heat shock proteins and manganese superoxide dismutase. Thus, WHPC attenuates hypoxic lung injury through protection of cells constituting the respiratory membrane, especially hypoxia-vulnerable type I epithelial cells. This beneficial effect may involve up-regulation of cytoprotective genes.     

Regulatory effects of iNOS on acute lung inflammatory responses in mice

The role of endogenous NO in the regulation of acute lung injury is not well defined. We investigated the effects of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) on the acute inflammatory response in mouse lungs. Acute lung injury was induced by intratracheal instillation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into wild-type (WT) mice and mice deficient in iNOS (iNOS(-/-)) or eNOS (eNOS(-/-)). Endpoints of inflammatory injury were myeloperoxidase (MPO) content and leak of albumin into lung. Inflammatory injury was similar in WT and eNOS(-/-) mice but was substantially increased in iNOS(-/-) mice. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids of iNOS(-/-) and WT mice showed similar levels of CXC chemokines (MIP-2, KC) but enhanced levels of CC chemokines (MCP-1, MCP-3). Increased lung content of MPO in iNOS(-/-) mice was reduced by anti-MCP-1 to values found in WT mice. In vitro stimulation of microvascular endothelial cells with LPS and IFN gamma revealed elevated production of CXC and CC chemokines in cells from iNOS(-/-) mice when compared to endothelial cells from iNOS(+/+) mice. Peritoneal macrophages from iNOS(-/-) donors also revealed increased production of CC chemokines after stimulation with LPS and interferon (IFN gamma). These data indicate that absence of iNOS causes enhanced lung inflammatory responses in mice which may be related to enhanced production of MCP-1 by endothelial cells and macrophages. It appears that iNOS affects the lung inflammatory response by regulating chemokine production.     

腺苷对肺缺血再灌注大鼠NOS活性的影响

目的:观察腺苷(Adenosine)对大鼠肺缺血再灌注损伤(I/R)的保护作用及一氧化碳合酶(NOS)活性的影响。方法:将60只清洁级SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham组,开胸但不阻断肺门)、I/R组(开胸后左肺门阻断60min+开放再灌注120min)、Adenosine预处理组,每组20只。A-denosine预处理组术前30min开始由股静脉持续静脉滴入Adenosine(0.1mg/kg/min)。实验结束前测定各组平均肺动脉压(mPAP)、动脉血氧分压(PaO2)、肺湿/干重比(W/D)及血清和肺组织匀浆中内皮型一氧化碳合酶(eNOS)、诱导型一氧化碳合酶(iNOS)活性。结果:I/R组mPAP、W/D均高于Sham组(P<0.01),PaO2低于Sham组(P<0.01)。与I/R组比较,Adenosine预处理组mPAP、W/D明显降低,PaO2显著增高。与Sham组比较,I/R组血清及肺组织匀浆中eNOS活性明显降低,iNOS活性显著增加(P<0.01);Adenosine预处理能明显升高I/R大鼠eNOS活性,降低iNOS活性(与I/R组比较,P<0.01)。结论:Adenosine可通过减轻再灌注后肺水肿、降低肺动脉压及改善肺组织氧合功能,从而有效实现对I/R肺组织的保护,其保护作用可能与NOS不同亚型的表达变化有关。     

Protective role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Nitric oxide is a versatile molecule, with its actions ranging from haemodynamic regulation to anti-proliferative effects on vascular smooth muscle cells. Nitric oxide is produced by the nitric oxide synthases, endothelial NOS (eNOS), neural NOS (nNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS). Constitutively expressed eNOS produces low concentrations of NO, which is necessary for a good endothelial function and integrity. Endothelial derived NO is often seen as a protective agent in a variety of diseases.This review will focus on the potential protective role of eNOS. We will discuss recent data derived from studies in eNOS knockout mice and other experimental models. Furthermore, the role of eNOS in human diseases is described and possible therapeutic intervention strategies will be discussed.     

Effect of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of nitric oxide synthase on vascular reactivity of rat isolated pulmonary arteries

Aerosol gene transfer of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) to rat lungs increased NOS expression and activity, and prevented hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) in vivo. Hereby, we examined the effect of eNOS and iNOS aerosol gene transfer on the endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) and on acute HPV in isolated rat pulmonary arteries. Changes in isometric forces were recorded in organ baths for large conduit arteries (diameter 1.8±0.1 mm) and in a wire myograph for small resistance arteries (258±35 μm). Male Wistar rats were randomly aerosolized with adenovirus (Ad) encoding β-galactosidase (control), eNOS, or iNOS. Four days later, exhaled nitric oxide was measured, NOS expression within rat lungs was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, vasoconstricting agonist and acetylcholine concentration response curves were generated, and the time course of HPV was recorded. Human eNOS and murine iNOS were expressed within rat lung tissue mostly in parenchyma and endothelial cells. Large arteries isolated from Ad-i, eNOS-aerosolized rats developed lower agonist-induced tension than those of control rats. The first and second contractions of the HPV were smaller in the Ad-i, eNOS-aerosolized rats. Contractions were modestly, but significantly and inversely, related to exhaled NO. Agonist- and hypoxia-induced contractions were even more reduced after eNOS aerosolization. There was no significant effect on EDR and no notable difference between small and large vessels. We conclude that adenovirus (Ad)-mediated NOS gene transfer can counteract both pharmacologically and hypoxia-induced increases in pulmonary vascular tone in isolated rat pulmonary arteries. eNOS seems as efficient as iNOS in regulating pulmonary vascular tone.     

肢体缺血预适应的小肠保护作用及与一氧化氮/内皮素-1的关系

目的：观察一氧化氮/内皮素-1(NO/ET-1)失衡与肢体缺血再灌注(I/R)后小肠损伤的关系，以及缺血预适应(IPC)对NO/ET-1系统的调节作用。 方法： 雄性Wistar大鼠18只，随机分为对照（control）组，缺血再灌注（IR）组和缺血预适应（IPC+IR）组，每组6只，分别测定血浆和小肠组织二氨氧化酶(DAO)、一氧化氮(NO)、内皮素-1(ET-1)、NO/ET-1比值的含量变化及小肠组织的髓过氧化物酶(MPO)、DNA双链百分率(ratio of DNA chain %)、总一氧化氮合酶（tNOS）、诱导型一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）、结构型一氧化氮合酶（cNOS）的水平；免疫组化法检测小肠组织的诱导型一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）、内皮型一氧化氮合酶（eNOS）的表达。 结果： IR组血浆和小肠组织NO、ET-1，血浆DAO及组织MPO均明显高于对照组，而 NO/ET-1的比值，组织DAO及DNA双链百分率明显少于对照组；小肠粘膜iNOS的表达及总NOS活性高于对照组，cNOS（主要为eNOS）的表达少于对照组。IPC+IR组血浆和小肠组织NO、ET-1，血浆DAO及组织MPO均明显少于IR组，而 NO/ET-1的比值，组织DAO及DNA双链百分率却明显高于IR组；小肠粘膜iNOS的表达及总NOS活性少于IR组，cNOS（主要为eNOS）的表达高于IR组。 结论： 肢体I/R后小肠损伤与NO/ET-1失衡有关，IPC对肢体IR继发的小肠粘膜损伤的拮抗作用可能通过对NO/ET-1系统的调节作用而介导，此时内皮源的NO产生增加，非内皮源的NO产生减少。     

葛根素预处理上调内皮型一氧化氮合酶的表达减轻人脐静脉内皮细胞缺氧/复氧损伤

 目的:探讨葛根素(puerarin,PUE)预处理对缺氧/复氧(hypoxia reoxygenation,H/R)损伤的人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)的保护作用。方法:HUVECs随机分为正常对照(control)组、H/R组、单纯PUE组和PUE+H/R组(1.0×10^-3 mol/L PUE预处理24 h后进行H/R)。采用Western blot方法检测内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)蛋白的表达,化学比色法检测组成型一氧化氮合酶(cNOS)的活性,TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡。此外,在PUE预处理前使用ERK蛋白激酶抑制剂U0126(1.0×10^-5 mol/L)或PI3K/Akt蛋白激酶抑制剂LY294002(5.0×10^-5mol/L)处理细胞1 h,再进行H/R。结果:与control组相比,H/R组的eNOS蛋白表达水平降低(P<0.05),PUE预处理上调eNOS蛋白的表达水平(P<0.05),该上调作用均可被U0126及LY294002抑制(P<0.05);与control组相比,H/R组的cNOS活力下降(P<0.05),PUE预处理组的cNOS活力增加(P<0.05);与control组相比,H/R组细胞凋亡指数显著增大(P<0.01),PUE预处理组的细胞凋亡指数减小(P<0.01)。结论:H/R可使HUVECs受损伤,eNOS蛋白表达及活性降低,细胞凋亡增加。PUE预处理可通过ERK1/2信号通路和PI3K/Akt信号通路上调HUVECs的eNOS蛋白表达,增强eNOS活性,减少细胞凋亡,发挥内皮细胞保护作用。     

高压氧对脑缺血再灌注小鼠明胶酶、一氧化氮合酶及血脑屏障的影响

目的:通过检测脑缺血再灌注小鼠明胶酶A(MMP－2)、明胶酶B(MMP－9)及一氧化氮合酶(NOS)活性,探讨高压氧(HBO)对脑缺血再灌注小鼠明胶酶、NOS及血脑屏障(BBB)通透性的影响。方法:复制脑缺血再灌注模型,并于再灌注期间经0.25MPaHBO治疗5次,采用明胶酶谱分析法及比色法,检测脑组织海马区明胶酶及NOS的活性,同时经尾静脉注射2%伊文思兰(EB),检测脑组织EB含量。结果:脑缺血再灌注后明胶酶(A、B)活性增加,HBO+脑缺血再灌注组明胶酶B(MMP－9)活性明显低于脑缺血再灌注组;而HBO对明胶酶A(MMP－2)作用不显著。脑缺血再灌注后NOS活性增加,HBO+脑缺血再灌注组NOS含量显著低于脑缺血再灌注组(P＜0.01)。脑组织EB含量以再灌注4h最高,11h、23h、48h、72h脑组织EB含量逐渐减少。高压氧+脑缺血再灌注组脑组织EB含量明显低于脑缺血再灌注组(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)。结论:高压氧具有降低脑缺血再灌注小鼠明胶酶B及NOS活性,降低血脑屏障的通透性的作用。     

Enhancing apoptotic cell clearance mitigates bacterial translocation and promotes tissue repair after gut ischemia-reperfusion injury

A key aspect of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the increased occurrence of apoptotic cell death in the gut. Insufficient clearance of apoptotic cells leads to increased inflammation and impaired tissue repair. Our recent studies have shown that administration of milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8), a crucial molecule for apoptotic cell clearance, reduces apoptosis and inflammation under various disease conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether MFG-E8 reduces bacterial translocation and promotes tissue repair in a mouse model of gut I/R. Gut ischemia was induced by placing a microvascular clip across the superior mesenteric artery for 90 min in male adult mice. After removing the clip, recombinant murine MFG-E8 (rmMFG-E8) (0.4 μg/20 g BW) or normal saline (Vehicle) was intraperitoneally injected. At 4 h after reperfusion, apoptosis in the gut was measured by TUNEL staining. The mesenteric lymph node (MLN) complex was homogenized and plated on chocolate agar plates for bacterial culture. Neutrophil infiltration was assessed by examining myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the gut. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the gut, an indicator of tissue repair, were measured by western blotting. Out results showed that TUNEL-positive staining in the gut increased significantly in gut I/R vehicle-treated mice. Treatment with rmMFG-E8 markedly suppressed the number of apoptotic cells. Bacterial translocation to the MLN was minimal in sham mice, but was extensive in gut I/R vehicle-treated mice. rmMFG-E8 treatment significantly reduced bacterial translocation to the MLN. Similarly, gut I/R induced a significant increase in intestinal MPO activities in vehicle-treated mice. rmMFG-E8 treatment markedly reduced the increase in intestinal MPO activities after gut I/R. Intestinal levels of VEGF decreased significantly at 4 h after gut I/R. rmMFG-E8 treatment significantly increased intestinal VEGF levels. Thus, enhancing apoptotic cell clearance by rmMFG-E8 mitigates bacterial translocation, inhibits neutrophil infiltration and promotes tissue repair after gut I/R. Enhancing apoptotic cell clearance can be a novel concept in the treatment of gut I/R injury.     

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase regulates microvascular hyperpermeability in vivo

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of blood flow, but its role in permeability is still challenged. We tested in vivo the hypotheses that: (a) endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is not essential for regulation of baseline permeability; (b) eNOS is essential for hyperpermeability responses in inflammation; and (c) molecular inhibition of eNOS with caveolin-1 scaffolding domain (AP-Cav) reduces eNOS-regulated hyperpermeability. We used eNOS-deficient (eNOS−/−) mice and their wild-type control as experimental animals, platelet-activating factor (PAF) at 10⁻⁷ m as the test pro-inflammatory agent, and integrated optical intensity (IOI) as an index of microvascular permeability. PAF increased permeability in wild-type cremaster muscle from a baseline of 2.4 ± 2.2 to a peak net value of 84.4 ± 2.7 units, while the corresponding values in cremaster muscle of eNOS−/− mice were 1.0 ± 0.3 and 15.6 ± 7.7 units ( P < 0.05). Similarly, PAF increased IOI in the mesentery of wild-type mice but much less in the mesentery of eNOS−/− mice. PAF increased IOI to comparable values in the mesenteries of wild-type mice and those lacking the gene for inducible NOS (iNOS). Administration of AP-Cav blocked the microvascular hyperpermeability responses to 10⁻⁷ m PAF. We conclude that: (1) baseline permeability does not depend on eNOS; (2) eNOS and NO are integral elements of the signalling pathway for the hyperpermeability response to PAF; (3) iNOS does not affect either baseline permeability or hyperpermeability responses to PAF; and (4) caveolin-1 inhibits eNOS regulation of microvascular permeability in vivo . Our results establish eNOS as an important regulator of microvascular permeability in inflammation.     

后处理对缺血再灌注损伤大鼠肺Egr-1和IL-1β表达的影响

目的: 研究后处理对在体缺血再灌注损伤大鼠肺早期生长反应因子1(Egr-1)和白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)表达的影响,并分析其可能的肺保护作用机制。方法: 建立大鼠在体肺脏缺血再灌注损伤模型,将SD大鼠24只随机分为假手术(sham)组、缺血再灌注(I/R)组和缺血后处理(IPostC)组,每组8只。在体鼠I/R损伤模型制备完成后,阻断左肺门,终止血供及通气,造成左肺缺血,达预定时间后松开阻断带恢复血供及通气形成再灌注损伤。sham组只游离左侧肺门、套阻断带但不阻断,等待3 h后直接取标本;I/R组缺血1 h后再灌注2 h;IPostC组缺血1 h后给予重复3次的5 min灌注和5 min缺血的后处理,继以恢复血供行再灌注1.5 h。3组实验结束后均留取左侧肺组织,制成10%的组织匀浆,用于测定髓过氧化物酶(MPO)的含量;留取小块肺组织测定肺湿／干重比(W/D),并在光镜下观察肺组织的病理变化;RT-PCR法检测Egr-1 mRNA及IL-1β mRNA的表达量。结果: 3组间各项检测指标比较,差异均显著(P<0.05)。与sham组比较,I/R组肺组织中Egr-1 mRNA、IL-1β mRNA的表达量、MPO的活性及W/D值均明显升高(P<0.05);肺组织炎症反应明显加重。IPostC组肺组织中Egr-1 mRNA及IL-1β mRNA的表达量、MPO的活性及W/D值与I/R组相比均明显下降(P<0.05);肺组织炎症反应明显减轻。结论: 后处理能够明显减轻大鼠肺缺血再灌注损伤,其机制可能与抑制Egr-1和IL-1β的表达有关。     

Protective effects of Big-leaf mulberry and physiological roles of nitric oxide synthases in the testis of mice following water immersion and restraint stress

Big-leaf mulberry is a new hybrid plant from the application of cell engineering technology, but its effect in stress-induced testicular dysfunction is unknown. Nitric oxide (NO) is a tiny, highly reactive lipophilic molecule produced by nitric oxide synthases (NOS). Three isoforms of NOS (neuronal NOS, inducible NOS and endothelial NOS) have been identified. Our aim was to investigate the effect of water immersion and restraint stress (WIRS) on NOS in the testis, and the effect of Big-leaf mulberry to protect against WIRS. The activity and expression of NOS, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the mouse testis of different treatment groups (non-WIRS, 3 h-WIRS, WIRS-recovery) were examined. Histological analysis of WIRS-induced testicular damage and immunohistochemical staining of NOS were also analyzed. Results demonstrated that WIRS-exposed mice produced several injuries and showed an increased iNOS and eNOS mRNA expression in testes, whereas pretreatment with Big-leaf mulberry down-regulated iNOS and eNOS mRNA expressions and up-regulated T-AOC activities. Immunohistochemical studies showed that both iNOS and eNOS were localized in germ cells, spermatozoa and blood vessels in addition to Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, but nNOS was not present in these areas. In conclusion, our results suggested that Big-leaf mulberry exerted a protective effect on WIRS-induced testicular dysfunction, and iNOS and eNOS appeared to exert an important action in mouse testes exposed to WIRS.     

延迟预适应对兔心脏缺血再灌注损伤保护作用的研究

目的:观察延迟缺血预适应(IschemicPreconditioning,IPC)对兔在体心脏缺血再灌注(Ischemia/Reperfusion,I/R)损伤的保护作用。方法:方法18只兔随机分为3组:假手术组(CON组,n=6),缺血再灌注组(I/R组,n=6),预适应组(IPC组,n=6)。采用免疫组化方法检测诱导型一氧化氮合成酶(iNOS)及内皮型一氧化氮合成酶(eNOS)在心肌及冠状动脉内皮中的表达情况。结果:IPC组的梗死面积明显小于I/R组。在心肌中,IPC组iNOS表达明显高于I/R组与CON组,而eNOS无显著性差异。在内皮中,IPC组eNOS表达明显高于I/R组,与CON组无显著性差异,而iNOS均无表达。结论:延迟缺血预适应能缩小兔缺血再灌注后心肌梗死面积。     

Lung eNOS and iNOS are Reoxygenation Time‐Dependent Upregulated After Acute Hypoxia

Nitric oxide plays a critical role in many physiological and physiopathological processes in the lung. Changes in the NO/NOS (Nitric Oxide/Nitric Oxide Synthase) system after hypoxia situations remain controversial in this organ, so that the aim of this work is to perform a complete study of this system in the hypoxic lung after different reoxygenation times ranging from 0 h to 5 days posthypoxia. This is a novel follow‐up study carried out in Wistar rats submitted for 30 min to acute hypobaric hypoxia. We measured endothelial and inducible NOS (eNOS, iNOS) mRNA and protein expression, location, and in situ NOS activity as well as nitrated protein expression and location. In addition, NO levels were indirectly quantified (NOx) as well as the apoptosis level. Results showed an increase in eNOS mRNA, protein, activity as well as eNOS positive immunostaining at 0 h posthypoxia, coinciding with raised NOx levels. Contrary, iNOS, nitrated protein expression and apoptosis level augmented during the final reoxygenation times. The lung NO/NOS system provokes two responses to the hypoxia/reoxygenation processes: (i) eNOS is responsible of the immediate response, producing NO, which causes vasodilation and bronchodilation, and (ii) iNOS is related to the second late response, which seems to be involved in some of the deleterious consequences that hypoxia induces in the lung. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Ejaculatory abnormalities in mice lacking the gene for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS-/-).

Nitric oxide (NO) has been established as a neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Three isoforms of its synthetic enzyme, NO synthase (NOS), have been identified: 1) in the endothelial lining of blood vessels (eNOS), 2) an inducible form found in macrophages (iNOS), and 3) in neurons (nNOS). Previous studies using pharmacological agents that block all three isoforms of NOS have revealed that NO mediates several aspects of reproductive physiology and behavior, including anomalies in male sexual behavior and erectile function. To determine the specific contribution of the endothelial isoform of NOS in male reproductive behavior, we studied mice missing the gene for only eNOS (eNOS-/-). Wild-type (WT) and eNOS-/- animals were placed with an estrous WT female and observed for 45 min. Both WT and eNOS-/- mice displayed equivalent motivation to mount the stimulus female. However, eNOS-/- mice exhibited striking anomalies in ejaculatory function. A higher percentage of eNOS-/- than WT mice ejaculated during the testing period (p < 0.001). This increased propensity to ejaculate was apparently due to reduced stimulation required to elicit ejaculation; eNOS-/- mice required significantly fewer mounts (p < 0.003) and intromissions (p < 0.001) to ejaculate compared to WT mice. Taken together, these results suggest that NO synthesized by eNOS may be involved in ejaculatory physiology, but not sexual motivation.     

Inhibition of nitric oxide restores surfactant gene expression following nickel-induced acute lung injury

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in acute lung injury remains controversial. Although inhaled NO increases oxygenation in clinical trials, inhibiting NO-synthase (NOS) can be protective. To examine the latter, nickel-exposed mice were treated with saline or NOS inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Initial microarray analysis of nickel-induced gene expression of saline-treated mice revealed increased inflammatory mediator, matrix injury-repair, and hypoxia-induced factor-mediated sequences and decreased lung-specific (e.g., surfactant-associated protein B and C) sequences. Compared with saline control, L-NAME-treated mice had enhanced survival with attenuated serum nitrate/nitrite, endothelial NOS activity, and lavage neutrophils and protein. Although initial cytokine (i.e., interferon-gamma, interleukins-1beta and -6, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) gene expression was similar between groups, subsequent larger cytokine increases only occurred in saline-treated mice. Similarly, surfactant protein gene expression decreased initially in both groups yet was restored subsequently with L-NAME treatment. Interestingly, the role of inducible NOS (iNOS) in these responses seems minimal. iNOS gene expression was unaltered, iNOS activity and nitrotyrosine residues were undetectable, and an iNOS antagonist, aminoguanidine, failed to increase survival. Rather, systemic L-NAME treatment appears to attenuate pulmonary endothelial NOS activity, subsequent cytokine expression, inflammation, and protein permeability, and thereby restores surfactant gene expression and increases survival.