Increased adhesion and aggregation of platelets lacking cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate kinase I.

Atherosclerotic vascular lesions are considered to be a major cause of ischemic diseases, including myocardial infarction and stroke. Platelet adhesion and aggregation during ischemia-reperfusion are thought to be the initial steps leading to remodeling and reocclusion of the postischemic vasculature. Nitric oxide (NO) inhibits platelet aggregation and smooth muscle proliferation. A major downstream target of NO is cyclic guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate kinase I (cGKI). To test the intravascular significance of the NO/cGKI signaling pathway in vivo, we have studied platelet-endothelial cell and platelet-platelet interactions during ischemia/reperfusion using cGKI-deficient (cGKI-/-) mice. Platelet cGKI but not endothelial or smooth muscle cGKI is essential to prevent intravascular adhesion and aggregation of platelets after ischemia. The defect in platelet cGKI is not compensated by the cAMP/cAMP kinase pathway supporting the essential role of cGKI in prevention of ischemia-induced platelet adhesion and aggregation.

Expression of mTert in primary murine cells links the growth-promoting effects of telomerase to transforming growth factor-beta signaling.

Here, we show that ectopic expression of the catalytic subunit of mouse telomerase (mTert) confers a growth advantage to primary murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), which have very long telomeres, as well as facilitates their spontaneous immortalization and increases their colony-forming capacity upon activation of oncogenes. We demonstrate that these telomere length-independent growth-promoting effects of mTert overexpression require catalytically active mTert, as well as the formation of mTert/Terc complexes. The gene expression profile of mTert-overexpressing MEFs indicates that telomerase enhances growth in these cells through the repression of growth-inhibiting genes of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling network. We functionally validate this result by showing that mTert abrogates the growth-inhibitory effect of TGF-beta in MEFs, thus demonstrating that telomerase increments the proliferative potential of primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts by targeting the TGF-beta pathway.

Reversible inactivation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by NG-nitro-L-arginine.

NG-Methyl-L-arginine (L-NMA) and NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) inhibited NO-induced cGMP accumulation in porcine aortic endothelial cells with half-maximally effective concentrations of 15 and 3.4 microM, respectively. The effects of both compounds were reversible, but the L-NNA-induced inhibition was only reversed by wash-out in the presence of 1 mM L-arginine. In short-term incubations (45 s) of membrane fractions, L-NMA and L-NNA exhibited similar potencies to inhibit endothelial NO synthase, but L-NNA was markedly more potent than L-NMA after prolonged incubation periods (> or = 3 min) due to induction of a pronounced, reversible enzyme inactivation.

Identification of imidazole as L-arginine-competitive inhibitor of porcine brain nitric oxide synthase.

Imidazole acts as a heme-site inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). We used this compound to investigate whether the substrate L-arginine binds directly to the heme or to a separate domain of brain NOS. Enzyme kinetic experiments showed that imidazole enhanced the apparent Km for L-arginine without affecting maximal enzyme activity, and binding studies revealed that the inhibitor displaced the radioligand NG-nitro-L-[3H]arginine in a concentration-dependent fashion. These results demonstrate that imidazole exerts its effects on NOS in an L-arginine-competitive manner and that the substrate site of the enzyme may be identical with the prosthetic heme group.

Stimulation of human nitric oxide synthase by tetrahydrobiopterin and selective binding of the cofactor.

To check the stimulatory potency of the tetrahydro forms of the two major pteridines occurring in human tissues, neopterin and biopterin, NO synthase was purified 6000-fold from human cerebellum. Tetrahydrobiopterin stimulated the activity up to 4.5-fold in a concentration dependent manner with a maximum above 1 microM, whereas tetrahydroneopterin was completely inactive in concentrations up to 100 microM. Tetrahydrobiopterin, but not neopterin derivatives, were copurified with the NO synthase activity. Our results demonstrate that human cerebellum contains a tetrahydrobiopterin dependent NO synthase activity.

Molecular mechanisms of inhibition of porcine brain nitric oxide synthase by the antinociceptive drug 7-nitro-indazole.

7-Nitro-indazole (7-NI) has been described as novel nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor with in vivo selectivity for the neuronal isozyme [Moore et al. Br. J. Phaarmac. 110, 219-224 (1993)]. In the present study we have used purified porcine brain NOS to investigate the molecular mechanisms of enzyme inhibition by 7-NI. The drug was competitive with L-arginine, exhibited a kinetic KI of 2.8 microM, and additionally induced a slight reduction in Vmax. As a cytochrome P-450, NOS catalyzes a heme-mediated reduction of molecular oxygen, resulting in the formation of H2O2 in the absence of L-arginine. 7-NI turned out as a potent inhibitor of H2O2 formation (IC50 = 0.28 +/- 0.096 microM) but did not affect flavin-mediated electron transfer. Thus, 7-NI resembled imidazole, a known heme-site inhibitor of NOS. We found that imidazole was a purely competitive inhibitor of L-citrulline formation (KI = 263 microM) and blocked H2O2 formation at similar concentrations (IC50 = 280 +/- 38 microM). In accordance with their L-arginine-competitive effects in the citrulline assay, both drugs antagonized binding of radiolabeled NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), a high affinity probe for reversible labelling of the substrate site of NOS [Klatt et al., J. Biol. Chem. 269, 14781-14787 (1994)]. The calculated KI values for 7-NI and imidazole were 0.09 +/- 0.024 microM and 200 +/- 63 microM, respectively. Finally, binding of radiolabelled tetrahydrobiopterin, a NOS cofactor with unknown function, was also antagonized by 7-NI with a KI of 0.12 +/- 0.023 microM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of long-term infusion of an LH-releasing hormone agonist on testicular function in bulls.

Continuous administration of LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists is an effective method of suppressing testosterone secretion in the male. The effect of the LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist, buserelin, administered to bulls by constant infusion from osmotic minipumps was studied. In one experiment with four treated and one control bull, 109 micrograms buserelin/day were administered for 22 days. Immediately after implantation, serum testosterone concentrations rose from below 35 nmol/l to 35-105 nmol/l, and all four buserelin-infused bulls showed increased testosterone secretion during the treatment period. After removal of the minipumps, testosterone concentrations decreased to pretreatment levels. In a second experiment bulls were infused for 42 days (four treated and one control), and identical results were obtained. Testosterone secretion was stimulated (52-87 nmol/l serum) during the entire treatment period. These results demonstrate that conditions for stimulation of the pituitary-testicular axis may vary between species. Infusion of low doses of LHRH-agonists in bulls has an extended stimulatory effect without immediate desensitization of gonadotrophin release.

Release of nitric oxide from donors with known half-life: a mathematical model for calculating nitric oxide concentrations in aerobic solutions.

The NO concentrations released from donor compounds are difficult to predict as they are determined by formation and inactivation reactions. To calculate the concentrations of NO over time, we have developed a mathematical model which is based on a system of two differential equations describing the first order decomposition of the NO donor in association with the third order reaction of NO with oxygen. Although there is no closed formula for the solution, it can be easily computed by any standard numerical differential solver or simulation software with the following input parameters: initial concentration and decomposition rate constant of the NO donor, O2 concentration, and rate constant for NO autoxidation. The model was validated by monitoring NO release from 2,2-diethyl-1-nitroso-oxyhydrazine (DEA/NO) with a Clark-type NO-sensitive electrode at two different temperatures (25 and 37 degrees C) and DEA/NO concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 microM. Under all conditions, there was an excellent agreement between experimental and calculated data. In addition to the computer modeling, we present graphical plots which allow a rough but very easy estimation of the actual NO concentrations if appropriate computer software should not be available.

Method of collecting urine and comparative investigation of quantities excreted by cats and dogs after administration of furosemide.

A method is described for precise investigation of diuresis and saluresis in cats, using trained animals in a special diuresis apparatus. Furosemide given intramuscularly (IM) to cats at the dose level of 10 mg/kg produced slight untoward reactions of short duration. Therefore, this dose lies at the upper limit of tolerance. Saluretic and diuretic effect of 5 different doses of furosemide was investigated in 4 cats and 20 dogs. A dose-dependent increase in diuresis was achieved in cats given doses of furosemide ranging from 1.25 to 10 mg/kg. In the dog, the range of effectiveness was broader. In both species, there was a parallel increase in the excretion of sodium and chloride ions. The excretion of potassium ions in the cat remained unaffected, whereas in the dog, there was a dose-dependent increase in potassium ion excretion, which became especially distinct when large doses were given. A direct comparison of total saluretic and diuretic values in the dog and cat after IM administration of furosemide was not possible, since the calculated straight lines had different slopes, and their points of intersection lay outside the scope of this study. A difference can be assumed to exist between dog and cat in the mode of action of diuresis and saluresis after administration of furosemide.

Pharmacokinetic investigations on diminazene and rolitetracycline in comparison to a combination of both.

Serum level tests were carried out on healthy cows with a combination drug of one part Berenil and two parts Reverin. When compared with the commercial preparations Berenil (Diminazene) and Reverin (Rolitetracycline), the kinetic behaviour of Reverin in the combination preparation was identical. In the case of Berenil, administered in the form of the combination drug, the second slow elimination phase with a 63 hour half-life, as found after the administration of Berenil only, could not be observed. Eight hours after administration of the combination only minimal Berenil serum levels were detectable, after 24 hours the levels were lower than the limit of detection. This has a practical bearing on the question of residues.

Ablation of Dido3 compromises lineage commitment of stem cells in vitro and during early embryonic development.

The death inducer obliterator (Dido) locus encodes three protein isoforms, of which Dido3 is the largest and most broadly expressed. Dido3 is a nuclear protein that forms part of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) and is necessary for correct chromosome segregation in somatic and germ cells. Here we report that specific ablation of Dido3 function in mice causes lethal developmental defects at the onset of gastrulation. Although these defects are associated with centrosome amplification, spindle malformation and a DNA damage response, we provide evidence that embryonic lethality of the Dido3 mutation cannot be explained by its impact on chromosome segregation alone. We show that loss of Dido3 expression compromises differentiation of embryonic stem cells in vitro and of epiblast cells in vivo, resulting in early embryonic death at around day 8.5 of gestation. Close analysis of Dido3 mutant embryoid bodies indicates that ablation of Dido3, rather than producing a generalized differentiation blockade, delays the onset of lineage commitment at the primitive endoderm specification stage. The dual role of Dido3 in chromosome segregation and stem cell differentiation supports the implication of SAC components in stem cell fate decisions.

Oxidative hypothesis of atherogenesis.

The oxidative hypothesis of atherogenesis suggests that an important event in the development of atherosclerotic lesions is the oxidation of lipids contained in low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This hypothesis is supported by a number of in-vitro and in-vivo studies demonstrating the proatherogenic properties of oxidized LDL, the occurrence of oxidatively modified LDL in atherosclerotic lesions and the reduction of atherosclerotic events by antioxidants.

Regulation of protein function by S-glutathiolation in response to oxidative and nitrosative stress.

Protein S-glutathiolation, the reversible covalent addition of glutathione to cysteine residues on target proteins, is emerging as a candidate mechanism by which both changes in the intracellular redox state and the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species may be transduced into a functional response. This review will provide an introduction to the concepts of oxidative and nitrosative stress and outline the molecular mechanisms of protein regulation by oxidative and nitrosative thiol-group modifications. Special attention will be paid to recently published work supporting a role for S-glutathiolation in stress signalling pathways and in the adaptive cellular response to oxidative and nitrosative stress. Finally, novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of S-glutathiolation as well as methodological problems related to the interpretation of the biological relevance of this post-translational protein modification will be discussed.

Reaction of peroxynitrite with oxyhaemoglobin: interference with photometrical determination of nitric oxide.

A frequently applied photometrical assay of NO is based on the reaction of NO with oxyhaemoglobin. This study shows that peroxynitrite induces spectral changes of oxyhaemoglobin identical with those elicited by NO. Like a variety of other agents, peroxynitrite did not interfere with NO measurements using a Clark-type electrode, demonstrating that electrochemical detection has an advantage over the oxyhaemoglobin method for specific determination of NO.

Hypercholesterolemia is associated with a reduced response of smooth muscle guanylyl cyclase to nitrovasodilators.

A diminished relaxant response of atherosclerotic arteries to nitrovasodilators has been frequently observed in advanced stages of hypercholesterolemia. In the present study, we investigated whether this effect might be a result of reduced activity of smooth muscle guanylyl cyclase. Experimental atherosclerosis was induced by feeding rabbits a cholesterol-rich diet (1%) over a period of 4 months. Aortas were removed and homogenized, and guanylyl cyclase activity was measured in the 100,000 g supernatants. Sodium nitroprusside, which stimulated cyclic GMP (cGMP) formation in control tissues almost 200-fold (from 3 to 585 pmol cGMP.mg-1 x min-1), increased enzyme activities in atherosclerotic aortas only approximately 90-fold (from 3 to 257 pmol cGMP.mg-1 x min-1). Similarly, the maximal stimulatory effects of S-nitroso-glutathione were reduced from 200-fold (controls) to 114-fold in atherosclerotic tissues. Basal guanylyl cyclase activities were identical in both atherosclerotic and control vessels. Hypercholesterolemia also reduced the activity of smooth muscle adenylyl cyclase. In control aortas, basal and NaF-stimulated enzyme activities were 24 and 349 pmol cAMP.mg-1 x min-1, respectively, whereas cAMP formation was reduced in atherosclerotic aortas to 7 (basal) and 96 (NaF) pmol cAMP.mg-1.min-1. The stimulatory effect of NaF (approximately 14-fold) remained unchanged. Since adenylyl and guanylyl cyclase have important functions in regulating vascular tone, reduced activities of both enzymes may contribute to the diminished relaxant and/or enhanced vasoconstricting effects of vasoactive compounds in atherosclerotic blood vessels.

Characterization of endothelial cell amino acid transport systems involved in the actions of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors.

N omega-Substituted analogues of L-arginine have proven useful as specific inhibitors of nitric oxide formation in various biological systems. In the present study we describe the characteristics of amino acid transporters that mediate uptake of N omega-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMA) and N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) into cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells. The transport of L-[14C]NMA showed biphasic kinetics, with Km values of 4 and 368 microM, and was inhibited by L-arginine, L-homoarginine, L-lysine, and L-ornithine but not by L-leucine or L-isoleucine. Similar transport kinetics (Km values of 6 and 609 microM) and substrate specificities were obtained for L-[3H]arginine uptake, indicating that L-arginine and L-NMA are transported by the same system. In contrast to L-arginine and L-NMA transport, uptake of L-[3H]NNA was monophasic (Km = 617 microM) and was inhibited by L-leucine and L-isoleucine but not by L-arginine, L-homoarginine, L-NMA, L-lysine, or L-ornithine. Uptake studies with L-[3H]leucine revealed that the transport of this amino acid occurred in a manner very similar to that of L-[3H]NNA transport, suggesting that the uptake of both compounds may be mediated by the same system. In additional experiments, we determined the effects of L-NMA and L-NNA on the A23187-induced accumulation of intracellular cGMP, to establish to what extent these transport systems are involved in the actions of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors. L-Lysine and L-ornithine, which both inhibited L-NMA uptake, increased the IC50 of L-NMA from 7.8 microM to 57 microM but did not reduce the inhibitory effects of L-NNA. In the presence of L-leucine or L-isoleucine, however, which both inhibited L-NNA uptake, the IC50 of L-NNA was increased from 1.2 microM to 37 microM but the inhibitory actions of L-NMA remained unaffected. These data demonstrate that the endothelial transport systems for L-arginine and L-leucine mediate the biological effects of L-NMA and L-NNA, respectively.