COINDUCTION OF NITRIC-OXIDE AND TETRAHYDROBIOPTERIN SYNTHESIS IN THE MYOCARDIUM IN-VIVO

Induction of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS ) in the myocardium is implicated as a mechanism in the development of cardiac depression in immune activated states associated with an enha nced release of cytokines, such as septic shock. We evaluated the in v ivo synthesis of NO and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor of NOS, in the heart tissue using a model of LPS injection in rats (LPS: 10 mg /kg, i.v.). In control rats, iNOS activity or iNOS mRNA in the heart w as negligible. Three hours after LPS administration, a marked inductio n of iNOS mRNA and activity was observed in the heart. A significant i ncrease in BH4 content and GTP cyclohydrolase mRNA abundance was also observed in the heart from LPS-treated rats. Our results demonstrate i nduction of NO synthesis and parallel increase in BH4 concentration in the heart of rats after LPS treatment in vivo and may provide molecul ar evidence responsible for the increased production of BH4 which may up-regulate iNOS activity in the heart in vivo.