The influence of L-NAME on iNOS expression and markers of oxidative stress in allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2015:838:1-10. doi: 10.1007/5584_2014_62.

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) effects in airways are influenced by the activity of NO-synthase isoforms and NO metabolism. Inducible NO-synthase (iNOS), which produces large amounts of NO, is active during the inflammatory process. NO quickly reacts, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study we attempted to detect the expression of iNOS and markers of ROS in the airway hyperreactivity (AHR) condition. The study was performed in guinea pigs, divided into four groups. Two groups were treated with the non-selective inhibitor of NO-synthase L-NAME. The other two groups were used as controls. Exhaled NO was monitored in vivo, AHR was assessed both in vivo and in vitro, and the expression of iNOS in lung homogenate, and oxidative stress markers were measured in the venous blood. L-NAME significantly affected the AHR only in in vitro condition, blocked the expression of iNOS in control but not in sensitized animals, and decreased the level of exhaled NO. The results concerning the oxidative stress markers are equivocal. The study confirmed that NO is involved in the regulation of AHR; the effects being mediated via iNOS and ROS activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / chemically induced
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / drug therapy
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / metabolism*
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / physiopathology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Exhalation
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Male
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / pharmacology*
  • Nitric Oxide / biosynthesis*
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / genetics*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / metabolism
  • Ovalbumin
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Ovalbumin
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester