NITRIC-OXIDE ENHANCES ENDOTHELIN PRODUCTION IN PANCREAS TRANSPLANTATION

The role of endothelin and its relationship with nitric oxide (NO) pro duction in ischemia-reperfusion associated with pancreas transplantati on has been explored. For this purpose, pancreatic levels of endotheli n were evaluated in an experimental model of pancreas transplantation after different periods of cold preservation. The effects of NO syntha se inhibition were also evaluated. Results show posttransplantation in creases in lipase and endothelin production. The release of lipase and endothelin was only prevented by N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester af ter a short ischemic period. Thus, endothelin synthesis could be a con sequence of stimulation with NO in the ischemia-reperfusion associated with pancreas transplantation.