Arginase activity is inhibited by L-NAME, both in vitro and in vivo

J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2002 Aug;17(4):267-70. doi: 10.1080/1475636021000006252.

Abstract

The present study investigated the ability of the arginine analog L-NAME (N(omega)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) to modulate the activity of arginase. L-NAME inhibited the activity of arginase in lysates from rat colon cancer cells and liver. It also inhibited the arginase activity of tumor cells in culture. Furthermore, in vivo treatment of rats with L-NAME inhibited arginase activity in tumor nodules and liver, and the effect persisted after treatment ceased. The effect of L-NAME on arginase requires consideration when it is used in vivo in animal models with the aim of inhibiting endothelial NO-synthase, another enzyme using arginine as substrate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arginase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Colonic Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Liver / enzymology
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / administration & dosage
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / pharmacology*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Arginase
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester