Thyroid disorders and nitric oxide in cardiovascular adaptation to hypovolemia.

This study aimed to investigate whether nitric oxide participates in the cardiovascular function and haemodynamic adaptation to acute haemorrhage in animals with thyroid disorders. Sprague-Dawley rats aged 2months old treated with T3 (hyper, 20µg/100g body weight) or 0.02% methimazole (hypo, w/v) during 28days were pre-treated with N(G) nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and submitted to 20% blood loss. Heart function was evaluated by echocardiography. Measurements of arterial blood pressure, heart rate, nitric oxide synthase activity and protein levels were performed. We found that hypo decreased fractional shortening and ejection fraction and increased left ventricle internal diameter. Hyper decreased ventricle diameter and no changes in cardiac contractility. Haemorrhage elicited a hypotension of similar magnitude within 10min. Then, this parameter was stabilized at about 30-40min and maintained until finalized, 120min. L-NAME rats showed that the immediate hypotension would be independent of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition blunted the changes of heart rate induced by blood loss. Hyper and hypo had lower atrial enzyme activity associated with a decreased enzyme isoform in hypo. In ventricle, hyper and hypo had a higher enzyme activity, which was not correlated with changes in protein levels. Haemorrhage induced an increased heart nitric oxide production. We concluded that thyroid disorders were associated with hypertrophic remodelling which impacted differently on cardiac function and its adaptation to a hypovolemia. Hypovolemia triggered a nitric oxide synthase activation modulating the heart function to maintain haemodynamic homeostasis. This involvement depends on a specific enzyme isoform, cardiac chamber and thyroid state.

Effects of nitric oxide system and osmotic stress on Aquaporin-1 in the postnatal heart.

Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) is expressed in the heart and its relationship with NO system has not been fully explored. The aims of this work were to study the effects of NO system inhibition on AQP1 abundance and localization and evaluate AQP1 S-nitrosylation in a model of water restriction during postnatal growth. Rats aged 25 and 50days (n=15) were divided in: R: water restriction; C: water ad libitum; RL: L-NAME (4mg/kgday)+water restriction; CL: L-NAME+water ad libitum. AQP1 protein levels, immunohistochemistry and S-nitrosylation (colocalization of AQP1 and S-nitrosylated cysteines by confocal microscopy) were determined in cardiac tissue. We also evaluated the effects of NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on osmotic water permeability of cardiac membrane vesicles by stopped-flow spectrometry. AQP1 was present in cardiac vascular endothelium and endocardium in C and CL animals of both ages. Cardiac AQP1 levels were increased in R50 and RL50 and appeared in cardiomyocyte plasma membrane. No changes in AQP1 abundance or localization were observed in R25, but RL25 group showed AQP1 presence on cardiomyocyte sarcolemma. AQP1 S-nitrosylation was increased in R25 group, without changes in the 50-day-old group. Cardiac membrane vesicles expressing AQP1 presented a high water permeability coefficient and pretreatment with SNP decreased water transport. Age-related influence of NO system on AQP1 abundance and localization in the heart may affect cardiac water homeostasis during hypovolemic state. Increased AQP1 S-nitrosylation in the youngest group may decrease osmotic water permeability of cardiac membranes, having a negative impact on cardiac water balance.

Dehydration affects cardiovascular nitric oxide synthases and caveolins in growing rats.

PURPOSE: During the postnatal stage, cardiovascular nitric oxide (NO) system and caveolins (cav) may be regulated differentially in response to hypovolemic state induced by water restriction. Our aim was to examine the effects of water restriction on NO synthases (NOS) and cav in the atria, ventricle and aorta of growing rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 25 and 50 days were divided into (n = 15): WR: water restriction 3 days; WAL: water ad libitum 3 days. Systolic blood pressure, NOS activity and NOS/cav protein levels were measured. RESULTS: Dehydration induced a larger increase in SBP in WR25 group. Ventricular NOS activity, endothelial NOS (eNOS) and neuronal isoform (nNOS) of WR25 pups were increased, and both cav were decreased. In the WR50 group, NOS activity remained unchanged. In the atria, NOS activity, eNOS and nNOS decreased in WR25 associated with increased cav-1; in the WR50 group, NOS activity was increased without changes in NOS isoforms. In the aorta of WR25, NOS activity and inducible NOS (iNOS) were decreased; NOS activity was unchanged in WR50, despite the decreased levels of eNOS and increased iNOS, cav-1 and cav-3. CONCLUSIONS: NO system adjustments in cardiovascular system under osmotic stress in vivo depend on postnatal age, being eNOS and nNOS, the isoforms that determine NOS activity in cardiac tissue in 25-day-old pups. Changes in cav abundance during hypovolemic state may contribute to age-related NO production.

Caveolinas y modulación del sistema del óxido nítrico en el hipotiroidismo según avanza la edad / Age-related Influence of Hypothyroidism on Caveolins and Nitric Oxide Modulation

Introducción El hipotiroidismo y la edad impactan sobre la producción de óxido nítrico (NO) cardíaco y renal. Las caveolinas, moduladores negativos de la actividad enzimática de la NO sintetasa (NOS), se afectan con ambos factores. Objetivos Evaluar la implicación de las caveolinas (cav) en la modulación de la actividad de la NOS cardíaca y renal en animales hipotiroideos adultos. Material y métodos Se utilizaron ratas macho Sprague-Dawley eutiroideas e hipotiroideas [metimazol 0,02% (v/v) en el agua de bebida durante 28 días]. Los animales fueron sacrificados para extraer el corazón y los riñones. Resultados La actividad de la NOS en la aurícula derecha disminuyó con la edad y el hipotiroidismo. La expresión de cav-1 aumentó con la edad y el hipotiroidismo. La actividad de la NOS en el ventrículo izquierdo aumentó con el avance de la edad y el hipotiroidismo. La expresión de ambas caveolinas disminuyó en los grupos adulto e hipotiroideo. En la médula renal, el hipotiroidismo disminuyó la actividad de la NOS en jóvenes y la aumentó en adultos. La expresión de cav-1 disminuyó con la edad y en jóvenes hipotiroideos. Los niveles proteicos de cav-3 disminuyeron en animales adultos hipotiroideos. Conclusiones El hipotiroidismo impacta sobre la actividad de la NOS y de sus moduladores, las caveolinas, en el sistema cardiovascular y renal. El hipotiroidismo intensifica los efectos del avance de la edad en ambos sistemas.(AU)

Introduction Hypothyroidism and age impact on cardiac and renal nitric oxide (NO) production. Caveolins, which are negative modulators of NO synthase (NOS) activity, are affected by both factors. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate caveolin (CAV) participation in the modulation of renal and cardiac NOS activity in adult hypothyroid animals. Methods Euthyroid and hypothyroid [methimazole 0.02% (v/v) in the drinking water during 28 days] male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Animals were sacrificed to remove the heart and kidneys. Results Right atrial NOS activity decreased with age and hypothyroi-dism. Caveolin-1 expression increased with age and hypothyroidism. Conversely, left ventricular NOS activity increased with aging and hypothyroidism and the expression of both CAV isoforms decreased in adult and hypothyroid groups. In the renal medulla, hypothyroidism reduced NOS activity in young and raised it in adult animals and CAV-1 expression decreased with age and in hypothyroid young animals. Caveolin-3 protein levels decreased in adult hypothyroid animals. Conclusions Hypothyroidism impacts on NOS activity and on that of its modulators, caveolins, in the cardiovascular and renal systems. Hypothyroidism enhances the effects of aging in both systems.(AU)

Caveolinas y modulación del sistema del óxido nítrico en el hipotiroidismo según avanza la edad / Age-related Influence of Hypothyroidism on Caveolins and Nitric Oxide Modulation

Introducción El hipotiroidismo y la edad impactan sobre la producción de óxido nítrico (NO) cardíaco y renal. Las caveolinas, moduladores negativos de la actividad enzimática de la NO sintetasa (NOS), se afectan con ambos factores. Objetivos Evaluar la implicación de las caveolinas (cav) en la modulación de la actividad de la NOS cardíaca y renal en animales hipotiroideos adultos. Material y métodos Se utilizaron ratas macho Sprague-Dawley eutiroideas e hipotiroideas [metimazol 0,02% (v/v) en el agua de bebida durante 28 días]. Los animales fueron sacrificados para extraer el corazón y los riñones. Resultados La actividad de la NOS en la aurícula derecha disminuyó con la edad y el hipotiroidismo. La expresión de cav-1 aumentó con la edad y el hipotiroidismo. La actividad de la NOS en el ventrículo izquierdo aumentó con el avance de la edad y el hipotiroidismo. La expresión de ambas caveolinas disminuyó en los grupos adulto e hipotiroideo. En la médula renal, el hipotiroidismo disminuyó la actividad de la NOS en jóvenes y la aumentó en adultos. La expresión de cav-1 disminuyó con la edad y en jóvenes hipotiroideos. Los niveles proteicos de cav-3 disminuyeron en animales adultos hipotiroideos. Conclusiones El hipotiroidismo impacta sobre la actividad de la NOS y de sus moduladores, las caveolinas, en el sistema cardiovascular y renal. El hipotiroidismo intensifica los efectos del avance de la edad en ambos sistemas.

Introduction Hypothyroidism and age impact on cardiac and renal nitric oxide (NO) production. Caveolins, which are negative modulators of NO synthase (NOS) activity, are affected by both factors. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate caveolin (CAV) participation in the modulation of renal and cardiac NOS activity in adult hypothyroid animals. Methods Euthyroid and hypothyroid [methimazole 0.02% (v/v) in the drinking water during 28 days] male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Animals were sacrificed to remove the heart and kidneys. Results Right atrial NOS activity decreased with age and hypothyroi-dism. Caveolin-1 expression increased with age and hypothyroidism. Conversely, left ventricular NOS activity increased with aging and hypothyroidism and the expression of both CAV isoforms decreased in adult and hypothyroid groups. In the renal medulla, hypothyroidism reduced NOS activity in young and raised it in adult animals and CAV-1 expression decreased with age and in hypothyroid young animals. Caveolin-3 protein levels decreased in adult hypothyroid animals. Conclusions Hypothyroidism impacts on NOS activity and on that of its modulators, caveolins, in the cardiovascular and renal systems. Hypothyroidism enhances the effects of aging in both systems.

Comparison of cardiovascular aquaporin-1 changes during water restriction between 25- and 50-day-old rats.

PURPOSE: Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) is the predominant water channel in the heart, linked to cardiovascular homeostasis. Our aim was to study cardiovascular AQP1 distribution and protein levels during osmotic stress and subsequent hydration during postnatal growth. METHODS: Rats aged 25 and 50 days were divided in: 3d-WR: water restriction 3 days; 3d-WAL: water ad libitum 3 days; 6d-WR+ORS: water restriction 3 days + oral rehydration solution (ORS) 3 days; and 6d-WAL: water ad libitum 6 days. AQP1 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot in left ventricle, right atrium and thoracic aorta. RESULTS: Water restriction induced a hypohydration state in both age groups (40 and 25 % loss of body weight in 25- and 50-day-old rats, respectively), reversible with ORS therapy. Cardiac AQP1 was localized in the endocardium and endothelium in both age groups, being evident in cardiomyocytes membrane only in 50-day-old 3d-WR group, which presented increased protein levels of AQP1; no changes were observed in the ventricle of pups. In vascular tissue, AQP1 was present in the smooth muscle of pups; in the oldest group, it was found in the endothelium, increasing after rehydration in smooth muscle. No differences were observed between control groups 3d-WAL and 6d-WAL of both ages. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that cardiovascular AQP1 can be differentially regulated in response to hydration status in vivo, being this response dependent on postnatal growth. The lack of adaptive mechanisms of mature animals in young pups may indicate an important role of this water channel in maintaining fluid balance during hypovolemic state.

Nitric oxide and AQP2 in hypothyroid rats: a link between aging and water homeostasis.

OBJECTIVE: Hypothyroid state and aging are associated with impairment in water reabsorption and changes in aquaporin water channel type 2 (AQP2). Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in AQP2 trafficking to the apical plasma membrane in medullary collecting duct cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether aging and hypothyroidism alter renal function, and whether medullary NO and AQP2 are implicated in maintaining water homeostasis. MATERIALS/METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats aged 2 and 18months old were treated with 0.02% methimazole (w/v) during 28days. Renal function was examined and NO synthase (NOS) activity ([(14)C (U)]-L-arginine to [(14)C (U)]-L-citrulline assays), NOS, caveolin-1 and -3 and AQP2 protein levels were determined in medullary tissue (Western blot). Plasma membrane fraction and intracellular vesicle fraction of AQP2 were evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A divergent response was observed in hypothyroid rats: while young rats exhibited polyuria with decreased medullary NOS activity, adult rats exhibited a decrease in urine output with increased NOS activity. AQP2 was increased with hypothyroidism, but while young rats exhibited increased AQP2 in plasma membrane, adult rats did so in the cytosolic site. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothyroidism contributes in a differential way to aging-induced changes in renal function, and medullary NO and AQP2 would be implicated in maintaining water homeostasis.

Contribution of caveolin-1 to ventricular nitric oxide in age-related adaptation to hypovolemic state.

Our previous results have shown that hypovolemic state induced by acute hemorrhage in young anesthetized rats triggers heterogeneous and dynamic nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation, modulating the cardiovascular response. Involvement of the nitric oxide pathway is both isoform-specific and time-dependent. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in activity and protein levels of the different NOS forms, changes in the abundance of caveolin-1 during hypovolemic state and caveolin-1/eNOS association using young and middle-aged rats. Therefore, we studied (i) changes in NOS activity and protein levels and (ii) caveolin-1 abundance, as well as its association with endothelial NOS (eNOS) in ventricles from young and middle-aged rats during hypovolemic state. We used 2-month (young) and 12-month (middle-aged) old male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were divided into two groups (n=14/group): (a) sham; (b) hemorrhaged animals (20% blood loss). With advancing age, we observed an increase in ventricle NOS activity accompanied by a decrease in eNOS and caveolin-1 protein levels, but increased inducible NOS (iNOS). We also observed that aging is associated with caveolin-1 dissociation from eNOS. Myocardia from young and middle-aged rats subjected to hemorrhage-induced hypovolemia exhibited an increase in NOS activity and protein levels with a reduction in caveolin-1 abundance, accompanied by a greater dissociation between eNOS and its regulatory protein. Further, an increase in iNOS protein levels after blood loss was observed only in middle-aged rats. Our evidence suggests that aging and acute hemorrhage contribute to the development of upregulation in NOS activity. Our findings demonstrate that specific expression patterns of ventricular NOS isoforms, alterations in the amount of caveolin-1 and caveolin-1/eNOS interaction are involved in aged-related adjustment to hypovolemic state.

Hypothyroidism: age-related influence on cardiovascular nitric oxide system in rats.

This study investigates whether changes in nitric oxide (NO) production participate in the cardiovascular manifestations of hypothyroidism and whether these changes are age-related. Sprague-Dawley rats aged 2 and 18 months old were treated with 0.02% methimazole (wt/vol) during 28 days. Left ventricular function was evaluated by echocardiography. Measurements of arterial blood pressure, heart rate, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and NOS/caveolin-1 and -3 protein levels were performed. Hypothyroidism enhanced the age-related changes in heart function. Hypothyroid state decreased atrial NOS activity in both young and adult rats, associated with a reduction in protein levels of the three NOS isoforms in young animals and increased caveolin (cav) 1 expression in adult rats. Ventricle and aorta NOS activity increased in young and adult hypothyroid animals. In ventricle, changes in NOS activity were accompanied by an increase in inducible NOS isoform in young rats and by an increase in caveolins expression in adult rats. Greater aorta NOS activity level in young and in adult Hypo rats would derive from the inducible and the endothelial NOS isoform, respectively. Thyroid hormones would be one of the factors involved in the modulation of cardiovascular NO production and caveolin-1 and -3 tissue-specific abundance, regardless of age. Hypothyroidism appears to contribute in a differential way to aging-induced changes in the myocardium and aorta tissues. Low thyroid hormones levels would enhance the aging effect on the heart. Age-related changes in NO production participate in the cardiovascular manifestations of hypothyroidism.

Caveolinas cardíacas y modulación de la óxido nítrico sintetasa durante el estado hipovolémico según avanza la edad / Age-Related Changes of Cardiac Caveolins and Nitric Oxide Synthase Modulation during Hypovolemic State / Age-Related Changes of Cardiac Caveolins and Nitric Oxide Synthase Modulation during Hypovolemic State

Introducción El óxido nítrico (NO) es uno de los factores que se estimulan durante el estado hipovolémico. Las caveolinas afectarían la producción de NO en el corazón según avanza la edad. Objetivo Investigar la interacción entre la caveolina-1 (cav-1) y la óxido nítrico sintetasa endotelial (eNOS) en ventrículos de ratas jóvenes y adultas sometidas a hemorragia aguda. Material y métodos Se utilizaron ratas Sprague-Dawley machos jóvenes (2 meses de edad) y adultas (12 meses de edad). Se conformaron dos grupos experimentales de cada grupo etario (jóvenes y adultas): Control y Hemo (sangrado: 20% de la volemia). Los animales se sacrificaron para la extracción del ventrículo izquierdo. Resultados Luego del sangrado, la actividad de la NOS aumentó el 21% y el 45% en ratas jóvenes y el 32% y el 56% en adultas. El Western blot reveló que los niveles de eNOS fueron menores (31%) en ratas adultas. La hemorragia ocasionó un aumento del 147% de la eNOS a los 60 min en animales jóvenes y del 66% en adultos, atenuándose a los 120 min. La colocalización mostró un patrón difuso de localización de la eNOS asociado con cav-1 en animales del grupo Control jóvenes. En el grupo Hemo, a los 60 min se observó un patrón de disociación, el cual fue parcialmente restablecido a los 120 min. En los animales adultos del grupo Control se observó un patrón de localización de la eNOS y cav-1 con una disociación mayor que en las ratas jóvenes. Esta característica se observó también luego de los 60 y los 120 min. Conclusión El aumento de la producción de NO ante un estado hipovolémico se ve condicionado por la presencia de cav-1, la cual cumple un papel preponderante en el proceso del envejecimiento.

Background Nitric Oxide (NO) is one of the factors activated by hypovolemic state. Caveolins might affect the production of NO with increasing age. Objective To investigate the interaction between caveolin-1 (cav-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the ventricles of young and adult rats subjected to acute bleeding. Material and Methods We used young (2 months old) and adult (12 months old) male Sprague-Dawley rats. The animals from each age group (young and adult) were divided into two experimental groups: Control: control group, and Hem: bleeding group (20% of blood volume). The animals were sacrificed and the left ventricle was resected. Results After bleeding, NOS activity increased by 21% and 45% in young rats and by 32% and 56% in adult rats. Western blot analysis revealed that NOS levels were lower (31%) in adult rats. Sixty minutes after bleeding, eNOS activity increased by 147% in young animals and by 66% in adults, with lower increase at 120 minutes. Colocalization showed a diffuse pattern of eNOS location associated with cav-1 in group Control of young animals. A dissociation pattern was observed in group Hem at 60 min which was partially restored at 120 min. The dissociation pattern of eNOS and cav-1 in group Control adult animals was greater compared to that of young rats. This characteristic was also seen after 60 min and 120 min. Conclusion The increased production of NO during hypovolemic state depends on the presence of cav-1 which plays a key role in the aging process.

Shock hemorrágico: óxido nítrico en ratas anestesiadas y no anestesiadas / Hemorrhagic Shock: Nitric Oxide in Anesthetized and Non Anesthetized Rats

Antecedentes En un trabajo previo mostramos que el estado hipovolémico inducido por una pérdida aguda de sangre se acompaña de una activación dinámica, heterogénea y dependiente del tiempo de la óxido nítrico sintetasa (NOS) cardíaca. Este sistema estaría involucrado en las alteraciones hemodinámicas que se observan luego de la depleción de volumen sanguíneo. Objetivo El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la participación del sistema del óxido nítrico (NO) mitocondrial en la respuesta adaptativa del sistema cardiovascular ante un shock hipovolémico en ratas anestesiadas y no anestesiadas. Material y métodos El estudio se llevó a cabo con cuatro grupos de animales (n = 7 por grupo): grupo A, ratas control anestesiadas; grupo C, ratas control no anestesiadas; grupo AH, ratas anestesiadas sometidas a una hemorragia (20% de la volemia) y grupo CH, ratas no anestesiadas sometidas a una hemorragia. Se evaluaron el consumo de oxígeno, la actividad funcional de la NOS mitocondrial (mtNOS) y la producción mitocondrial de NO. Resultados No se observaron diferencias significativas entre los valores de control respiratorio en los distintos grupos estudiados. La actividad funcional de la mtNOS fue menor en el grupo AH respecto del grupo A (12 ± 2 y 19 ± 1, respectivamente). Este efecto fue de menor magnitud cuando la hemorragia se provocó en animales no anestesiados (17 ± 1 y 20 ± 1, respectivamente). La producción mitocondrial de NO disminuyó en los grupos sometidos a una pérdida aguda de sangre, tanto no anestesiados como anestesiados, respecto de los animales controles. Conclusiones El sistema del NO mitocondrial estaría involucrado en la respuesta de adaptación del sistema cardiovascular frente a la depleción aguda de volumen. Esta participación dependería del grado de anestesia del animal.

Background We have previously demonstrated that hypovolemia induced by acute bleeding is accompanied by a dynamic, heterogenous and time-dependent activation of the cardiac nitric oxide synthase (NOS). This system might be involved in the hemodynamic anomalies observed after blood volume depletion. Objective To assess the role of the mitochondrial nitric oxide (NO) system in the adaptive response of the cardiovascular system in anesthetized and non anesthetized rats under hypovolemic shock. Material and Methods Animals were divided in four groups (n=7 animals per group): Group A, anesthetized control rats; group C, non anesthetized control rats; group AB, anesthetized rats subjected to bleeding (20% of blood volume), and group CB, non anesthetized rats subjected to bleeding. Oxygen consumption, functional activity of mitochondrial NOS (mtNOS) and mitochondrial production of NO were assessed. Results There were no significant differences in the values of respiratory parameters among the different study groups. Group AB had less functional activity of mtNOS compared to group A (12±2 and 19±1, respectively). This effect was even lower in non anesthetized animals subjected to bleeding (17±1 and 20±1, respectively). Mitochondrial production of NO decreased in anesthetized and non anesthetized animals with acute bleeding compared to controls. Conclusions Mitochondrial NO system might be involved in the adaptive response of the cardiovascular system under acute volume depletion, depending on the animal's degree of anesthesia.

Programación temprana de alteraciones en el sistema del óxido nítrico renal y vascular inducidas por la deficiencia de cinc / Early Programming of Alterations in Renal and Vascular Nitric Oxide System Induced by Zinc-Related Deficiencies

Introducción Numerosos estudios mostraron que la deficiencia nutricional durante la vida fetal y posnatal predisponen al desarrollo de patologías en la vida adulta, como la hipertensión arterial y las enfermedades renales. La distribución ubicua del cinc y sus propiedades químicas determinan su esencialidad en los sistemas biológicos. Objetivos Evaluar si las alteraciones renales y cardiovasculares en la vida adulta inducidas por la restricción moderada de cinc durante la vida fetal, la lactancia y/o el crecimiento se asocian con cambios en el sistema del óxido nítrico. Material y métodos Ratas Wistar hembra recibieron durante la preñez hasta el destete de las crías una dieta control o una baja en cinc. Luego del destete, las crías macho se asignaron al azar a dos grupos que recibieron una dieta control o una baja en cinc durante 60 días. Resultados Los resultados mostraron que el aporte insuficiente de cinc durante el crecimiento previo y/o posterior al destete indujo un aumento de la presión arterial y una disminución del volumen de filtrado glomerular en la vida adulta, asociados con una disminución del sistema del óxido nítrico renal y vascular. Además, el bajo aporte de este mineral durante la vida fetal indujo un peso menor al nacer, que se correlacionó en forma negativa con la presión arterial en la vida adulta. Conclusiones Este trabajo brinda evidencias importantes que sugieren que el aporte inadecuado de cinc durante el crecimiento prenatal y posnatal constituye un factor de riesgo cardiovascular y renal, dado que induce alteraciones en la regulación de la presión arterial y en la función renal en el individuo adulto.

Background Several studies have reported that nutritional deficiencies during fetal and postnatal life predispose to the development of diseases such as hypertension and renal disorders during adulthood. The ubiquitous distribution of zinc and its chemical properties determine their essentiality in the biological systems. Objectives To assess whether renal and cardiovascular alterations induced by moderate zinc restriction during fetal life, lactation period and/or growth are associated with changes in the nitric oxide system. Material and Methods Female Wistar rats received low zinc diet or control diet from the beginning of pregnancy up to weaning. After weaning, male offspring were randomly fed with low zinc diet or control diet for 60 days. Results Zinc deficiency through pre-weaning and post-weaning growth induced increase in blood pressure and reduced glomerular filtration volume in adult life; these findings were associated with reductions in renal and vascular nitric oxide system. In addition, low zinc intake during intrauterine life induced low birth weight offspring which had a negative correlation with blood pressure in adulthood. Conclusions Zinc deficiency during prenatal and postnatal growth constitutes a risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases as it induces alterations in blood pressure and renal function regulation in adult life.

Cardiac mitochondrial nitric oxide: a regulator of heart rate?

Alterations in autonomic control and myocardial nitric-oxide (NO) production are likely linked to the development and progression of heart dysfunction. By focusing on heart rate, the complexity of the actions of NO at distinct levels throughout the autonomic nervous system and its relationship with other regulators can be demonstrated. Given the multiple and opposing actions of NO on cardiac control, it is difficult to interpret a response after a global intervention in the NO system. The diversity of intracellular pathways activated by NO, and their differing sensitivities to different levels of NO, might account for some aspects of reported specific but opposite effects. We discuss factors that might contribute to this diversity of actions. A proper elucidation of the effects of NO on metabolic pathways and on energy generation could lead to novel therapeutic strategies aimed at the early treatment of heart dysfunction.

Nitric oxide synthases are involved in the modulation of cardiovascular adaptation in hemorrhaged rats.

AIM: Nitric oxide has been implicated in the cardiovascular adaptation to hemorrhagic shock. Our aim was to study the potential role of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) in the cardiovascular response in hemorrhagic hypotension produced experimentally in anesthetized rats. METHODS: Groups of animals (n = 14, per group): (a) normotensive; (b) hypovolemic (20% blood loss); (c) normotensive and pretreatment with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME); (d) hypovolemic and pretreatment with L-NAME. RESULTS: L-NAME restored the hypotension induced by hemorrhage. Blood loss decreased heart rate in the first stage increasing at 60 and 120 min. L-NAME blunted this effect. Right atria and left ventricle histochemical NOS activities increased at 60 and 120 min (atria 8% and 24%, respectively; ventricle 21% and 45%, respectively). This activity increased 17% in smooth muscle at 120 min. Heart endothelial NOS protein levels increased in heart at 60 min being attenuated at 120 min. Inducible NOS protein levels raised significantly in right atria, left ventricle and aorta at 120 min. CONCLUSION: Hemorrhagic shock induced a time-dependent and specific NOS activation modulating cardiovascular function. The inhibition of nitric oxide system appears to prevent the acceleration of heart rate during late phases after acute hypovolemic state induced by blood loss.

Autonomic regulation of pacemaker activity: role of heart nitric oxide synthases.

In autonomic-blocked rats treated with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 7.5 mg/kg), heart rate increased 18% and mean arterial pressure increased 48%. Thyroidectomy, along with autonomic blockade, hampered the chronotropic response but did not modify the effect on blood pressure. After 150 min of autonomic blockade, the experimental end point, total nitric oxide (NO) production by heart NO synthases (NOS) decreased 61%: from 54 to 21 nmol NO.min-1.g heart-1. Mitochondrial NOS (mtNOS) and sarcoplasmic reticulum endothelial NOS activities decreased 74% and 52%, respectively. Mitochondria isolated from whole heart showed a well-coupled oxidative phosphorylation with high respiratory control and ADP-to-O ratios, decreased mtNOS activity (55-60%), and decreased mtNOS protein expression (70%). Immunohistochemistry with anti-inducible NOS antibody linked to gold particles localized mtNOS at the inner mitochondrial membranes. Histochemical right atrial NOS (NADPH-diaphorase) decreased 55% after heart denervation. The effects of autonomic denervation on the NO system were partially prevented by thyroidectomy performed simultaneously with autonomic blockade. Western blot analysis indicated a very rapid mtNOS protein turnover (half time=120 min) with a process of protein expression that was upregulated by thyroidectomy and a degradation process that was downregulated by the autonomic nervous system. The observations suggest that NO-mediated pathways contribute to pacemaker heart activity, likely through the NO steady-state levels in the right atrium and the whole heart.

El estado hipovolémico modula la actividad y la expresión de la óxido nítrico sintetasa en el sistema cardiovascular / Hypovolemic state modulates nitric oxide synthase activity and expression in the cardiovascular system

Previamente mostramos que el pretratamiento con el inhibidor de la óxido nítrico sintetasa, NG-nitro-L-arginina metil éster (L-NAME), revierte la hipotensión y anula los cambios en la frecuencia cardíaca inducidos por la hemorragia. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad histoquímica (técnica NADPH-diaforasa) y la expresión (Western blot) de la óxido nítrico sintetasa en la aurícula derecha y en el ventrículo izquierdo de animales sometidos a una hemorragia del 20 por ciento de la volemia. Material y métodos: Se conformaron cuatro grupos de animales (n = 14, por grupo): S ( sham ), H (hemorragia), SL-NAME ( sham + L-NAME) (0,5 mg/kg/h IV = 100 Al/h) y HL-NAME (hemorragia + LNAME). El sacrificio de los animales se realizó por decapitación a los 60 y a los 120 min posteriores al sangrado y se extrajo el corazón para su estudio. Resultados: La pérdida de sangre aumentó la actividad de la NOS en la aurícula y en el ventrículo a los 60 y 120 min (aurícula: 8 por ciento y 21 por ciento respectivamente; ventrículo: 21 por ciento y 45 por ciento, respectivamente) del sangrado. El análisis de Western blot con empleo de un anticuerpo antióxido nítrico sintetasa inducible reveló la presencia de dicha proteína en la aurícula y en el ventrículo a los 120 min del sangrado (654 ± 13 y 465 ± 9 unidades arbitrarias, respectivamente). La expresión de la óxido nítrico sintetasa endotelial aumentó en la aurícula y en el ventrículo a los 60 min (18 por ciento y 147 por ciento respectivamente) en comparación con S, normalizándose a los 120 min de la hemorragia. Conclusiones: El estado hipovolémico inducido por una hemorragia del 20 por ciento de la volemia está asociado con un patrón heterogéneo y dinámico de regulación de la actividad y de la expresión de la óxido nítrico sintetasa en el tejido cardíaco. (AU)

El estado hipovolémico modula la actividad y la expresión de la óxido nítrico sintetasa en el sistema cardiovascular / Hypovolemic state modulates nitric oxide synthase activity and expression in the cardiovascular system

Previamente mostramos que el pretratamiento con el inhibidor de la óxido nítrico sintetasa, NG-nitro-L-arginina metil éster (L-NAME), revierte la hipotensión y anula los cambios en la frecuencia cardíaca inducidos por la hemorragia. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad histoquímica (técnica NADPH-diaforasa) y la expresión (Western blot) de la óxido nítrico sintetasa en la aurícula derecha y en el ventrículo izquierdo de animales sometidos a una hemorragia del 20 por ciento de la volemia. Material y métodos: Se conformaron cuatro grupos de animales (n = 14, por grupo): S ( sham ), H (hemorragia), SL-NAME ( sham + L-NAME) (0,5 mg/kg/h IV = 100 Al/h) y HL-NAME (hemorragia + LNAME). El sacrificio de los animales se realizó por decapitación a los 60 y a los 120 min posteriores al sangrado y se extrajo el corazón para su estudio. Resultados: La pérdida de sangre aumentó la actividad de la NOS en la aurícula y en el ventrículo a los 60 y 120 min (aurícula: 8 por ciento y 21 por ciento respectivamente; ventrículo: 21 por ciento y 45 por ciento, respectivamente) del sangrado. El análisis de Western blot con empleo de un anticuerpo antióxido nítrico sintetasa inducible reveló la presencia de dicha proteína en la aurícula y en el ventrículo a los 120 min del sangrado (654 ± 13 y 465 ± 9 unidades arbitrarias, respectivamente). La expresión de la óxido nítrico sintetasa endotelial aumentó en la aurícula y en el ventrículo a los 60 min (18 por ciento y 147 por ciento respectivamente) en comparación con S, normalizándose a los 120 min de la hemorragia. Conclusiones: El estado hipovolémico inducido por una hemorragia del 20 por ciento de la volemia está asociado con un patrón heterogéneo y dinámico de regulación de la actividad y de la expresión de la óxido nítrico sintetasa en el tejido cardíaco. (AU)

El estado hipovolémico modula la actividad y la expresión de la óxido nítrico sintetasa en el sistema cardiovascular / Hypovolemic state modulates nitric oxide synthase activity and expression in the cardiovascular system

Previamente mostramos que el pretratamiento con el inhibidor de la óxido nítrico sintetasa, NG-nitro-L-arginina metil éster (L-NAME), revierte la hipotensión y anula los cambios en la frecuencia cardíaca inducidos por la hemorragia. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad histoquímica (técnica NADPH-diaforasa) y la expresión (Western blot) de la óxido nítrico sintetasa en la aurícula derecha y en el ventrículo izquierdo de animales sometidos a una hemorragia del 20 por ciento de la volemia. Material y métodos: Se conformaron cuatro grupos de animales (n = 14, por grupo): S ( sham ), H (hemorragia), SL-NAME ( sham + L-NAME) (0,5 mg/kg/h IV = 100 µl/h) y HL-NAME (hemorragia + LNAME). El sacrificio de los animales se realizó por decapitación a los 60 y a los 120 min posteriores al sangrado y se extrajo el corazón para su estudio. Resultados: La pérdida de sangre aumentó la actividad de la NOS en la aurícula y en el ventrículo a los 60 y 120 min (aurícula: 8 por ciento y 21 por ciento respectivamente; ventrículo: 21 por ciento y 45 por ciento, respectivamente) del sangrado. El análisis de Western blot con empleo de un anticuerpo antióxido nítrico sintetasa inducible reveló la presencia de dicha proteína en la aurícula y en el ventrículo a los 120 min del sangrado (654 ± 13 y 465 ± 9 unidades arbitrarias, respectivamente). La expresión de la óxido nítrico sintetasa endotelial aumentó en la aurícula y en el ventrículo a los 60 min (18 por ciento y 147 por ciento respectivamente) en comparación con S, normalizándose a los 120 min de la hemorragia. Conclusiones: El estado hipovolémico inducido por una hemorragia del 20 por ciento de la volemia está asociado con un patrón heterogéneo y dinámico de regulación de la actividad y de la expresión de la óxido nítrico sintetasa en el tejido cardíaco.