Modulation of hydrogen sulfide synthesis improves heart function and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in diabetes.

Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. The endothelial dysfunction and diastolic heart dysfunction are associated with a decreasing level of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and inhibition of the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of modulation of H2S synthesis on heart functions and vasorelaxation in diabetes. The dl-propargylglycine and l-cysteine were administered intraperitoneally. H2S content in the heart tissue, markers of oxidative stress, inducible NOS and constitutive NOS (cNOS) activities, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of the aortic rings, and heart function were studied. We demonstrate that our combination increased H2S synthesis 13 times and cNOS activity 5 times in the heart tissue of diabetic rats. Increasing NO and H2S production caused improvement and restoration of endothelium-dependent relaxation of aorta, effective arterial elastance, and diastolic heart function in diabetic rats. The endothelium-dependent relaxation increased 2.4 times; effective arterial elastance decreased by 47%. The end-diastolic myocardial stiffness decreased 2.2 times. Thus, modulation of H2S synthesis leads to increased cNOS activity by up to 5 times in the cardiovascular system. Increasing NO and H2S production restored endothelium-dependent relaxation of aorta and improved heart function in diabetes.

Stimulation of the endogenous hydrogen sulfide synthesis suppresses oxidative-nitrosative stress and restores endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation in old rats.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gas transmitter with profound effects on the cardiovascular system. We hypothesized that stimulation of H2S synthesis might alleviate age-associated changes in vascular reactivity. Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP), the coenzyme of H2S-synthesizing enzymes, was administrated to old male Wistar rats per os at a dose of 0.7 mg/kg body mass once a day for 2 weeks. H2S content in the aortic tissue, markers of oxidative stress, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS), arginase activities, and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of the aortic rings were studied. Our results showed that PLP restored endogenous H2S and low molecular weight S-nitrosothiol levels in old rat aorta to the levels detected in adults. PLP significantly reduced diene conjugate content, hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite generation rates, and iNOS and arginase activity in the aortic tissue of old rats. PLP also greatly improved acetylcholine-induced relaxation of old rat aorta (47.7% ± 4.8% versus 18.4% ± 4.1% in old rats, P < 0.05) that was abolished by NO inhibition with N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) or H2S inhibition with O-carboxymethylhydroxylamine (O-CMH). Thus, PLP might be used for stimulation of endogenous H2S synthesis and correction of oxidative and nitrosative stress and vessel tone dysfunction in aging and age-associated diseases.

Effect of potential-dependent potassium uptake on production of reactive oxygen species in rat brain mitochondria.

The effect of potential-dependent potassium uptake on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in mitochondria of rat brain was studied. It was found that the effect of K+ uptake on ROS production in the brain mitochondria under steady-state conditions (state 4) was determined by potassium-dependent changes in the membrane potential of the mitochondria (ΔΨm). At K+ concentrations within the range of 0-120 mM, an increase in the initial rate of K(+)-uptake into the matrix resulted in a decrease in the steady-state rate of ROS generation due to the K(+)-induced depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. The selective blockage of the ATP-dependent potassium channel (K(ATP)(+)-channel) by glibenclamide and 5-hydroxydecanoate resulted in an increase in ROS production due to the membrane repolarization caused by partial inhibition of the potential-dependent K+ uptake. The ATP-dependent transport of K+ was shown to be ~40% of the potential-dependent K+ uptake in the brain mitochondria. Based on the findings of the experiments, the potential-dependent transport of K+ was concluded to be a physiologically important regulator of ROS generation in the brain mitochondria and that the functional activity of the native K(ATP)(+)-channel in these organelles under physiological conditions can be an effective tool for preventing ROS overproduction in brain neurons.

Effect of potential-dependent potassium uptake on calcium accumulation in rat brain mitochondria.

The effect of potential-dependent potassium uptake at 0-120 mM K+ on matrix Ca2+ accumulation in rat brain mitochondria was studied. An increase in oxygen consumption and proton extrusion rates as well as increase in matrix pH with increase in K+ content in the medium was observed due to K+ uptake into the mitochondria. The accumulation of Ca2+ was shown to depend on K+ concentration in the medium. At K+ concentration ≤30 mM, Ca2+ uptake is decreased due to K+-induced membrane depolarization, whereas at higher K+ concentrations, up to 120 mM K+, Ca2+ uptake is increased in spite of membrane depolarization caused by matrix alkalization due to K+ uptake. Mitochondrial K+(ATP)-channel blockers (glibenclamide and 5-hydroxydecanoic acid) diminish K+ uptake as well as K+-induced depolarization and matrix alkalization, which results in attenuation of the potassium-induced effects on matrix Ca2+ uptake, i.e. increase in Ca2+ uptake at low K+ content in the medium due to the smaller membrane depolarization and decrease in Ca2+ uptake at high potassium concentrations because of restricted rise in matrix pH. The results show the importance of potential-dependent potassium uptake, and especially the K+(ATP) channel, in the regulation of calcium accumulation in rat brain mitochondria.

Influence of ATP-dependent K(+)-channel opener on K(+)-cycle and oxygen consumption in rat liver mitochondria.

The influence of the K+(ATP)-channel opener diazoxide on the K+ cycle and oxygen consumption has been studied in rat liver mitochondria. It was found that diazoxide activates the K+(ATP)-channel in the range of nanomolar concentrations (50-300 nM, K(1/2) ~ 140 nM), which results in activation of K+/H+ exchange in mitochondria. The latter, in turn, accelerates mitochondrial respiration in respiratory state 2. The contribution of K+(ATP)-channel to the mitochondrial potassium cycle was estimated using the selective K+(ATP)-channel blocker glibenclamide. The data show that the relative contribution of K+(ATP)-channel in the potassium cycle of mitochondria is variable and increases only with the decrease in the ATP-independent component of K+ uptake. Possible mechanisms underlying the observed phenomena are discussed. The experimental results more fully elucidate the role of K+(ATP)-channel in the regulation of mitochondrial functions, especially under pathological conditions accompanied by impairment of the mitochondrial energy state.

[Vascular reactivity and metabolism of the reactive oxygen species and nitrogen in effects of low doses of radiation].

The disturbance of endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vascular reactions of relaxation was registered in the preparations of aorta of radiosensitive BALB/c mice, exposed to chronic external gamma-irradiation (cumulative dose of 0.43 Sv). Low doses of radiation induced an intensive hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2, displayed by an increase in the level of eukosanoisds--LTC4 and TxB2, formed under effects of lipid oxidases (lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase) at the same time with O2 generation. High doses of O2- can also be formed under the effect of low doses of radiation along xanthine oxidase pathway simultaneously with uric acid. In these conditions *OH-radical is formed not only at the expense of water radiolysis, which is observed under the effect of high doses, as well as along the two--NO-dependent and NO-independent--pathways. Significant increase in the content of lipid peroxidation products--dienic conjugates and valonic dialdehyde--in the organs of cardiovascular system is a confirmation of active generation of *OH and *NO2 under the effect of low doses of radiation. The latter induce significant changes in the pools of NO stable metabolites, which can cause disturbance of NO-dependent physiological functions of both heart and aorta. Significant decrease in the levels of nitrite and nitrozothiols in these conditions may result in an oxidative stress. In increased simultaneous generation of *O2- and NO they may bind and thus form a toxic substance peroxynitrite. This notion can be confirmed by the low doses of nitrite, which are formed spontaneously in the presence of molecular oxygen against the background of increased or control levels of nitrate, which is formed mainly at the degradation of peroxynitrite, i.e. at high levels of superoxide anion.

Correlation between immune and neuronal parameters and stress perception in allergic asthmatics.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic disease defined by airway inflammation, increased airway hyperresponsiveness and episodes of airway obstruction. Although there are abundant clinical and experimental data showing that stress may worsen asthma, the mechanisms linking stress to asthma are not well understood. By inducing a pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu, stress might enhance airway inflammation in bronchial asthma. We therefore investigated the correlation of stress perception and the cytokine profile of circulating lymphocytes in humans. METHODS: Allergic asthmatic patients and healthy controls were evaluated for perceived level of stress, demographic and lung function data. Whole blood cells were obtained and stimulated by mitogen to assess intracellular IL-4, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha by flow cytometry. Neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured in serum. RESULTS: Asthmatic patients showed significantly higher percentages of TNF-alpha-producing T cells than healthy controls. Only in asthmatic patients was stress perception correlated with percentages of TNF-alpha-producing T cells and serum BDNF levels, while forced expiratory volume in 1 s (% predicted) was negatively correlated to BDNF. CONCLUSION: The results of our study support the hypothesis that stress deteriorates bronchial asthma by inducing a pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in allergic asthmatics. Stress management might provide a supplement therapy of allergic asthma.

Calcium uptake in rat liver mitochondria accompanied by activation of ATP-dependent potassium channel.

The influence of potassium ions on calcium uptake in rat liver mitochondria is studied. It is shown that an increase in K+ and Ca2+ concentrations in the incubation medium leads to a decrease in calcium uptake in mitochondria together with a simultaneous increase in potassium uptake due to the potential-dependent transport of K+ in the mitochondrial matrix. Both effects are more pronounced in the presence of an ATP-dependent K+-channel (K+(ATP)-channel) opener, diazoxide (Dz). Activation of the K+(ATP)-channel by Dz alters the functional state of mitochondria and leads to an increase in the respiration rate in state 2 and a decrease in the oxygen uptake and the rate of ATP synthesis in state 3. The effect of Dz on oxygen consumption in state 3 is mimicked by valinomycin, but it is opposite to that of the classical protonophore uncoupler CCCP. It is concluded that the potential-dependent uptake of potassium is closely coupled to calcium transport and is an important parameter of energy coupling responsible for complex changes in oxygen consumption and Ca2+-transport properties of mitochondria.

[PYRIDOXAL-5-PHOSPHATE RESTORES HYDROGEN SULFIDE SYNTHES AND REDOX STATE OF HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS TISSUE IN OLD ANIMALS].

It was shown the alterations in hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) metabolism and the development of oxidative and nitrozative stress in cardiovascular system by aging. The administration of pyridoxal-5-phosphate as cofactor of H(2)S synthesizing enzymes restored endogenous H(2)S level and redox state in the heart and aorta tissues. Under these conditions, the following indicators of oxidative stress were significantly decreased in heart and aorta tissues: superoxide generation rate (·0(2)(-)) and hydroxyl (·OH) anion radicals, compared with significantly elevated levels of these parameters in old animals. We also found the reduction of non-enzymatic (diene conjugates and malonic dialdehyde) and enzymatic (uric acid, LTC(4) and TxB(2)) lipid oxidation products levels in old rats under H(2)S synthesis stimulation that confirms the restriction of oxidative stress. An important consequence of endogenous synthesis stimulation of hydrogen sulfide during aging is a decrease of nitrozative stress, such as iNOS activity and nitrate reductase, as well as recovery of constitutive NO synthase activity, indicating the importance of this gas transmitter in cardiovascular system. Thus, stimulation of hydrogen sulfide endogenous synthesis contributed to reduced production of reactive oxygen species (oxidative stress) and nitrogen (nitrozative stress) in heart and aorta tissues with aging. The presence of a pronounced antioxidant effect and modulating influence of pyridoxal-5- phosphate in the redox state of heart tissue and blood vessels during aging suggests cardioprotective properties of the substance and prospects for future research.

Na+-K+-ATPase is involved in the sustained ACh-induced hyperpolarization of endothelial cells from rat aorta.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase is known to attenuate endothelium-dependent relaxation in many arteries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in the regulation of endothelial membrane potential at rest and during stimulation by ACh. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Membrane potential was recorded from the endothelium of rat aorta using the perforated patch-clamp technique. KEY RESULTS: Superfusion with K(+)-free solution produced a depolarization of about 11 mV from the resting value of -42.9+/-0.9 mV. Reintroduction of 4.7 mM K(+) transiently hyperpolarized endothelial cells to -52.4+/-1.8 mV and the membrane potential recovered within 10 min. Ouabain 500 microM depolarized endothelium by about 11 mV and inhibited the hyperpolarization induced by K(+) reintroduction into the K(+)-free solution. However, 500 nM ouabain did not affect the resting membrane potential or the hyperpolarization induced by K(+) reintroduction. Pre-exposure to ouabain 500 microM, but not 500 nM, attenuated the sustained component of hyperpolarization to ACh without affecting the amplitude of the transient peak hyperpolarization. In K(+)-free solution, the amplitude of peak hyperpolarization to ACh was increased, while the sustained component of hyperpolarization was attenuated. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results indicate that electrogenic Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase partially contributes to the sustained hyperpolarization of endothelial cells from rat aorta in response to ACh. They also suggest that the alpha1, but not alpha2 or alpha3 isoforms, is involved in ACh-mediated hyperpolarization.

Ignition of calcium sparks in arterial and cardiac muscle through caveolae.

Ca(2+) sparks are localized intracellular Ca(2+) events released through ryanodine receptors (RyRs) that control excitation-contraction coupling in heart and smooth muscle. Ca(2+) spark triggering depends on precise delivery of Ca(2+) ions through dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive Ca(2+) channels to RyRs of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), a process requiring a very precise alignment of surface and SR membranes containing Ca(2+) influx channels and RyRs. Because caveolae contain DHP-sensitive Ca(2+) channels and may colocalize with SR, we tested the hypothesis that caveolae are the structural element necessary for the generation of Ca(2+) sparks. Using methyl-ss-cyclodextrin (dextrin) to deplete caveolae, we found that dextrin dose-dependently decreased the frequency, amplitude, and spatial size of Ca(2+) sparks in arterial smooth muscle cells and neonatal cardiomyocytes. However, temporal characteristics of Ca(2+) sparks were not significantly affected. We ruled out the possibility that the decreases in Ca(2+) spark frequency and size are caused by changes in DHP-sensitive L-type channels, SR Ca(2+) load, or changes in membrane potential. Our results suggest a novel signaling model that explains the formation of Ca(2+) sparks in a caveolae microdomain. The transient elevation in [Ca(2+)](i) at the inner mouth of a single caveolemmal Ca(2+) channel induces simultaneous activation and thus opens several RyRs to generate a local Ca(2+) release event, a Ca(2+) spark. Alterations in the molecular assembly and ultrastructure of caveolae may lead to pathophysiological changes in Ca(2+) signaling. Thus, caveolae may be intimately involved in cardiovascular cell dysfunction and disease.

The role of hydrogen sulfide in diastolic function restoration during aging.

The objective of the study was to examine the effect of exogenous hydrogen sulde donor; sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), on thefree radical generation, cNOS uncoupling in the myocardium, and diastolicfunction in old rats. To evaluate diastolic function of the heart, we used pressure-volume (PV) conductance catheter system (Millar Instruments, USA). It was shown that H2S levels in. the isolated mitochondria and whole heart homogenates obtained from old age rats were significantly lower comparing with adult animals. The markers of combined oxidative and nitrosative stress (the rate of 0 2° H generation, pools of H202, diene conjugates, malondialdehyde, uric acid, the activity of iNOS, nitrate reductase, and NO pools) were increased in the old hearts in line with cNOS uncoupling. Such changes in NOS coupling resulted in the loss of diastolic relaxation (decrease of the rate of relaxation of the left ventricle (dp/dtmin) by 33%, 3-times increase of the end-diastolic pressure, 1.5-time increase of the time constant of left ventricular relaxation (Tau g) and 2-time increase of the end-diastolic stiffness). It has been found that NaHS inhibits oxidative and nitrosative stress, restores cNOS coupling and constitutive de novo synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), which promotes an improvement of the diastolic function (increase of the dp/dtmin by 20% and decrease of Tau g by 13%) . Key words: aging; cNOS uncoupling; heart; hydrogen sulfide; nitrosative stress; oxidative stress.

MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION IN THE AGING HEART IS ACCOMPANIED BY CONSTITUTIVE NO-SYNTHASES UNCOUPLING ON THE BACKGROUND OF OXIDATIVE AND NITROSATIVE STRESS.

We investigated the sensitivity of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening to its inductor calcium, as well as indicators of oxidative and nitrosative stress in adult and old rat heart mitochondria and heart tissues. The coupling index of constitutive Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent NO-synthase (сNOS) was calculated based on experimentally found parameters. The aging is characterized by oxidative and nitrosative stress, which accompanied by a decrease of the cNOS coupling index and an increased sensitivity of MPTP to calcium. We found that in the heart mitochondria of old rats such oxidative stress indicators as the rate of generation of superoxide (• O2 - ) and hydroxyl (• OH) anion radicals were significantly increased (in 4 and 2,7 times respectively). Also, increased levels of urea and products of early lipid peroxidation ­ conjugated dienes display the intensification of oxidative stress. Such indicators of nitrosative stress as nitrate reductase and iNOS activity were also enhanced. At the same time under aging the NO2 - pools, generated when the heart oxygenation is normal, nitrosothiols pools and the activity of cNOS were decreased. It is due to the enhanced level of cNOS uncoupling, resulting in increased oxidative stress. It was also shown the lower level of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in old rat heart mitochondria. Thus, we observed the increased sensitivity of MPTP to calcium, due to decreased concentration of its inhibitors nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide and increased levels of its inducers ROS and RNS in old rat heart mitochondria.

NO-ERGIC CONTROL OF BLOOD CIRCULATION IN THE MEDULLA OBLONGATA OF RATS WITH EXPERIMENTAL HEMIPARKINSONIZM UNDER EXPOSURE TO CONTINUOUS LIGHT.

The study was conducted on rats with unilateral damage to dopaminergic (DA) neurons in substantia nigra of the midbrain (experimental hemiparkinsonism). Degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons was accompanied by hyperactivity of those neurons that remained intact and responded to apomorphine (Apo) test by rotational movements. Depending on the number of rotations, three groups of animals were defined. In the medulla oblongata of rats with unilateral damage to dopaminergic (DA) neurons, a significant increase in the activity of inducible NO-synthase (iNOS) was observed, while the activity of constitutive NO-synthase (cNOS) tended to decrease compared with that in control rats. An activation of neuronal NO-synthase (nNOS) in those rats by injections of L-arginine in the medullary nuclei was accompanied by weakening of the hemodynamic effects compared to those in control rats. An exposure of animals to continuous light for three weeks was accompanied by increasing the number of damaged DA-ergic neurons in substantia nigra. At that, a significant decrease in cNOS activity in the medulla oblongata was observed, leading to the inhibition of de novo synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). The reduction of NO synthesis in the medulla oblongata neurons of rats with experimental hemiparkinsonism following their exposure to continuous light was also evidenced by the reduction.

Stress fibres-a Ca2+ -independent store for annexins?

Annexins belong to a family of lipid-binding proteins that are implicated in membrane organization. Several members are capable of binding to actin and, in smooth muscle cells, annexin 6 is known to form a Ca(2+)-dependent, plasmalemmal complex with actin filaments. Annexins can also associate with F-actin containing stress fibres within cultured smooth muscle cells or fibroblasts in a Ca(2+)-independent manner. Depolymerization of stress-fibre systems with cytochalasin D leads to the translocation of actin-bound annexin 2 from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane at high intracellular levels of Ca(2+). This type of Ca(2+)-dependent annexin mobility is observed only in cells of mesenchymal phenotype, which have a well-developed stress-fibre system; not in epithelial cells.

[NOS UNCOUPLING IS ACCOMPANIED WITH INDUCTION OF THE OXIDATIVE STRESS AND THE CARDIOHEMODYNAMICS DISTURBANCES IN HYPERTENSION].

We compared the performance of cardiaohemodynamics and indicators of oxidative and nitrosative stress in the heart and aorta in normotensive Wistar rats (WKR) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). On the basis of experimentally determined parameters to calculate cNOS uncoupling index and biochemical index of function (BIF) in these organs of the cardiovascular system. In the heart, and especially in the aorta of SHR develop a combined oxidative and nitrosative stress that leads to cNOS uncoupling, BIF lowering that correlate with lowering of systolic and diastolic functions, inhibition of the efficiency Frank-Starling mechanism, oxygen consumption of the heart and increasing arterial stiffness. We made the assumption of the existence of the vicious circle of enhancing oxidative stress in organs of the cardiovascular system due to additional superoxide generation by uncoupling cNOS.

[HYDROGEN SULFIDE DONOR, NAHS, RECOVERS CONSTITUTIVE NO SYNTHESIS AND ENDOTHELIUM-DEPENDENT RELAXATION OF ISOLATED AORTA IN OLD RATS].

The objective of this study was to show the effect of H2S donor, NaHS on the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, free radical state and cNOS uncoupling in old rats. In the aorta of old rats a combined oxidative and nitrosative stress develops that leads to cNOS uncoupling and decreased constitutive synthesis of the NO. That biochemical changes correlate with lowering of the endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic smooth muscles (7.5 ± 1.4%, compared with 64.9 ± 3.5% in adults). It was found that, due to the combined inhibition of oxidative and nitrosative stress, NaHS restores constitutive de novo synthesis of NO by restoring cNOS coupling. Additionally, NaHS improves endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation by increasing (by 6.5 times) Ach-induced relaxation of aortic smooth muscles.

[PHYSICAL EXERCISE TRAINING CAN- CELS CONSTITUTIVE NOS UNCOUPLING AND INDUCED VIOLATIONS OF CARDIAC HEMODYNAMICS IN HYPERTENSION (PART III)].

In the heart and heart mitochondria spontaneously hypertensive rats investigated the effect of physical exercise training (swimming in a moderate and excessive training mode) on the physiological indicators of cardiac hemodynamics and biochemical parameters that characterize the level of oxidative and nitrosative stress. The index of coupling Ca(2+)-dependent constitutive NO-synthases (cNOS = eNOS + nNOS) and biochemical index of dysfunction were calculated. It turned out that both modes of training is completely restored, and even exceed the reference values in untrained rats Wistar conjugate cNOS state and Ca(2+)-dependent synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). Intensity regime of exercise on the border of functionality have been ineffective for improving the functional state of the cardiovascular system and hypertension can provoke it further. Moderate physical training regime, on the contrary, improves the diastolic function of the heart due to an increase dP/dtmin, reducing end-diastolic pressure and a significant reduction in end-diastolic stiffness. Moderate exercise decreased peripheral resistance and cardiac afterload, as indicated by the decrease in end-systolic pressure and arterial stiffness, which contributed to more efficient and energy-saving of heart work. Improve physiological indicators of cardiac hemodynamics and functional state of the heart in moderate mode of training correlated with changes in both the calculated indices. Moderate mode of training is recommended as a simple physiological preconditioning method for the prevention of cardiac dysfunction, hypertension as a result of state uncoupling cNOS and the resulting excessive generation of superoxide and, conversely, inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent synthesis of NO.

[EFFECT OF PROPARGYLGLYCINE UPON CARDIOHEMODYNAMICS IN OLD RATS].

Aging increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to show the effect of propargylg- lycine (PPG) upon cardiohemodynamics in old rats. We used pressure-volume (PV) conductance catheter system (Millar Instruments, USA) in order to evaluate systolic and diastolic function in vivo. It has been shown that introducted PPG (11,31 mg/kg) decrises both arterial stiffness (by 1,5 times) and end-diastolic stiffness (by 2,1 times) in old rats. Using PPG in heart mitochondria resulted in increasing levels of H2S (by 112%), NO2- (by 162%) and in growing activity of cNOS (by 3 times). Additionally, PPG decreased the mitochondrial pools of the uric acid, the marker of the superoxide (*O2-) formation and of the ATP degradation. These results suggest that PPG activates alternative ways of H2S synthesis, stimulates the NO and H2S synthesis and suppresses the ATP degradation and *O2 formation. These actions of PPG improve arterial stiffness and end-diastolic stiffness.

[BRAIN FOCAL ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION CAUSES A DECREASED RESISTANCE OF ERYTHROCYTES FROM VENOUS BLOOD TO ACID HEMOLYSIS, WHICH IS PREVENTED BY ECDYSTERONE].

We investigated the resistance of erythrocytes from rat brain venous blood to acid hemolysis in the dynamics of brain ischemic period (15, 30, 45 and 60 min), as well as in the early (5 min) and distant (24h) period of brain reperfusion. Brain ischemia-reperfusion was made in rats that received ecdysterone (standartized extract of Serratula coronata) within 18 days (per os, 1 mg/kg). Analysis of the kinetic curves of acid hemolysis showed a pronounced (60 times, from 1.45 to 85.85% at 60 min of brain ischemia and at 5 min of brain reperfusion, respectively) increase of unstable erythrocytes that hemolyzed easily (< 2.5 min). In the preconditioned rats, this increase was only 8-fold. During the period of brain ischemia, with a maximum at 15th minute, in the venous blood from brain the diene conjugates (DK) pools increased from 2.40 to 9.48 ng/mg protein and LTC4 pools increased from 1.49 to 5.98 pmol/mg protein. Even more pools of DC and LTC4 were increased at 5th min of brain reperfusion. In animals received ecdysterone, during ischemia and early reperfusion period, both pools of DC and LTC4 in venous blood were lower than that in the controls. The latter implies a possible antiradical mechanism of the protective effect of ecdysterone.