The effects of L-arginine on corticosterone production, cGMP, and nitrite l
evels were examined in zona fasciculata adrenal cells. L-Arginine significa
ntly decreased both basal and ACTH-stimulated corticosterone production. Th
is effect was still evident when steroidogenesis was induced by 8-bromo-cAM
P and 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol, but not in the presence of exogenously adde
d pregnenolone. L-Arginine increased cGMP and nitrite levels,; these effect
s were blocked by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine
methyl-ester. Transport of L-[H-3]arginine was rapid, saturable, and monoph
asic, with an apparent K-m of 163 +/- 14 mu M and a maximum velocity of 53
+/- 6 pmol/min 10(5) cells. The basic amino acids L-lysine and L-ornithine,
but not D-arginine or the nitric oxide synthase inhibitors NG-nitro-L-argi
nine methyl-ester and NG-nitro-L-arginine, impaired L-arginine uptake. Take
n together, these results suggest that steroidogenesis in tons fasciculata
adrenal cells may be negatively modulated by L-arginine-derived nitric oxid
e.